THE YOUNG PERSON MUST BE:
1.   a practicing Catholic that attends Mass on Sundays/Holy Days. *
2.   currently attending a Catholic school or Religious Education Program, with regular attendance for the previous 3 years. *
3.   Baptized a Catholic, and have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion
4.   a registered member of the parish, or have the written permission from registered Parish’s Pastor. 
 
THE QUINCEAÑERA MUST BE:
1.   Scheduled six (6) months in advance.
2.  Held during Communion Services and are typically presided by the Deacon of the parish. 
  
Processional and Recessional:
There will be no court, escort, or padrinos other than the young lady’s godparents and parents.
 
Customs and Traditions:

1. Presentation of the Rosary
2. Presentation of the Bible
3. Presentation of the Flowers to the Blessed Mother

Any other presentation MUST be approved by the Pastor.
 
Scheduling:
   Quinceañeras are scheduled on Saturdays at 12:30 pm.
   No quinceañeras are held during the liturgical seasons of Lent or Advent.
 
PREPARATION: Must be completed at www. http://www.catholicquinceprep.com .  Certificate of completion must be turned in to the Pastoral Associate 30 days prior to the scheduled quinceañera.
 
STIPEND: The offering for the church is $500.00.  This must be paid at the time the date is confirmed.   A parish musician is available for $300.00, but music at the Communion Service is optional.  Any musician brought in from outside of the parish must be approved by the pastor.  No recorded music is allowed. 
 
Visiting Clergy: If you are inviting clergy from another parish or diocese to participate in the celebration, approval must be obtained from the Pastor when the quinceañera is scheduled.
 
REHEARSAL: No rehearsal is allowed
 
DRESS: The quinceañera’s shoulders may not be bare and no part of her chest or back may be visible.  We do not have a dressing room at the parish, so please plan to come dressed. 
 
“HOUSE OF GOD”: Loud and disrespectful conduct is out of place; so are food, drinks, gum chewing, whispering amongst each other, children should be kept seated and not left without supervision before, during, or after the celebration. No cell phones are allowed in church. Please keep all doors closed before, during, and after the ceremony. It is important to remember that when one is in church, one is in the Presence of the Lord and an atmosphere of prayer and respect should be maintained before, during, and after the celebration.
 
PHOTOS, VIDEO, FLOWERS, ETC.: Photos and video cameras are welcome provided they do not become a distraction during your celebration. Decorating may take up to one hour before the Communion Service. Please do not damage the pews or church furnishings when attaching items to the pews. Flower petals, confetti, etc. are prohibited for safety and maintenance reasons. Remove all floral arrangements, ribbons, photography equipment, clothing, etc. from the church immediately following the celebration. Neither tacks nor tape of any kind is allowed on the pews or other wooden surfaces. Items left in the church will be disposed of.
 
MUSIC, ALTAR SERVERS, EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS, and LECTORS: Making arrangements for these individuals are your responsibility and should be made well in advance. All music requires the approval of the parish liturgist.  If needed the church can recommend Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, and Altar Server(s); however, the scheduling and stipend of these individuals is the responsibility of the scheduling party.
 
What is a “Quince Años” Celebration?
 
This celebration probably dates back to a custom of the Mayas and the Toltecas. It was considered that the muchacho was not a person until he reaches the age of 15. It was at this time that he was presented to the tribe community. It was then that he became a warrior. At this time he was given his escudo and espada. Now, he legally belonged to the community. The young lady was also presented to the community because she was looked upon as vital force of the tribe, because of her power of motherhood she gave warriors to the community. For the young lady, the ceremony included the commitment and responsibility she had for the community. The community, in turn, accepted her as a committed and responsible member.  Catholics celebrate this custom with special emphasis on the awareness and sensitivity of the young lady in dealing with her virtues, values, concerns, and challenges of the Christian community. 
 
The quince años celebration is not a sacrament but the sacrament of Penance and Eucharist may very well be integral parts of the celebration. The event may be celebrated in the simplest form possible to avoid creating class distinction in how it is celebrated.
 
Quinceañera
 
A Quinceañera is a time of rejoicing, giving thanks to God for His love and care. It is a time to share with friends, relatives, and especially parents, whose guidance and faith has been so instrumental in the life of this young lady. 
 
 
 
 
*Letters from the young lady’s parish is required to verify this requirement