Quinceañera

Although the Quinceanera is primarily, but not exclusively, a sociological and a cultural celebration, it is also religious.



The celebration of a Quinceañera is not a sacrament, but rather a para-liturgical ceremony that gives the young lady and her family the oportunity to give thanks for the many gifts she has received.

At Saint Francis Xavier Parish we are aware of this important moment and so we encourage the young lady to:

• Be registered in our parish. If your family is not registered in the parish a permission letter from the home parish must be received prior to anything taking place. 
• Attend Mass regularly,
• Be baptized and have made your first communion. 
• Be registered and participating in a confirmation class if you have not received confirmation yet.
• Come to the Parish Office during office hours to fill out a registration form 5 months before the date you wish to have the celebration. 

REQUIREMENTS

Participate in:

• A preparation course or retreat offered at a different location (usually at the Canossian Spirituality Center on 5625 Isleta Blvd. SW in Albuquerque). 
• 25 hours of Community Service.
• Rehearsal
• Give a donation of $250 (music is not included).
• The attendants must be 12 years of age or older.

Retreat



The goal of this retreat is to give to the young ladies who want to celebrate their birthday within a ligurgical celebration the possibility to grow in their faith, their Catholic values, and the responsability to society as young women, and to discover their sense of belonging in the Church. 

Liturgical Suggestions

• Simplicity is normal, ordinary life; so we encourage young ladies to realize that a Quinceañera is not a wedding. While we recommend modesty, we suggest to dress modestly but elegantly. 
• The focus of the Quinceañera is a threefold:
•  Thanksgiving: The Quinceañera gives thanks for the gift of her 15 years of life as she participates in the Church ceremony. 
• Commitment: To life, and to her faith, beautifully expressed in the renewal of the Bautismal vows, but also to the values of her parents, her family, and her teachers have taught her. 
  
•  Prayer: because of the new responsabilities and privileges this life passage brings upon her.