Quinceañera

The Quinceanera is a deeply rooted tradition of the Hispanic people; it is the celebration of a young lady’s fifteenth birthday with a Mass and party. It is a thanksgiving celebration honoring God for the gift of Life. This ritual emphasizes her passage from childhood to adulthood.

Formation

We at St. Callistus believe that it is necessary for each young girl to receive a formation that will help prepare her for her future. We propose that the young girls receive:

• Age appropriate integral, catechetical formation for the renewal of their baptismal promises.
• To renew her sense of membership in the Church by means of her baptism.
• This program invites them to complete or begin their sacramental initiation.
• It facilitates self-knowledge and an encounter with Christ in the gospels.
• It is a discernment of the Gospel’s call to conversion to help them formulate a life-plan and to discern a vocation.

Before the Ceremony

1. Classes are mandatory for those participating in group and private quinceañera's at St. Callistus.
2. Girls must attend Preparation classes consisting of six sessions.
3. Girls should be enrolled and/or participating in our Confirmation Program.
4. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) is the proper way of preparation prior to the ceremony.
5. Weekly confession are held on Saturday at 8:30am to 9:30am and 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

Class Schedule

Classes are for six consecutive weeks prior to the ceremony on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. Room assignment will be advised prior to classes.

2010 Schedule Dates are as follows:
Jan. 7- Feb. 4, 2010
Feb. 25 – March 25, 2010
April 15 – May 13, 2010
June 3 – July 1, 2010
July 22 – Aug. 19, 2010
Sept. 9 – Oct. 7, 2010
Oct. 28 – Nov. 25, 2010

Formation Program

Week 1 Background and meaning of the “Quince Años”
Week 2 Self-knowledge - “Who am I?”
Week 3 Who is Jesus?
Week 4 Women’s role in our Society
Week 5 My youth and values & The Liturgy
Week 6 The Rehearsal for ceremony (to be scheduled)

Financial Offering

The offering of $60.00 per girl includes materials, instructor and facility fees. All girls must be pre-registered for classes. No walk-ins are accepted. Checks are to be made out to St. Callistus Church. When attending the first night of class, a $30.00 deposit is required and is non-refundable in case of cancellation. The balance of the offering should be paid before the last day of class at the church office.

We welcome participants from other parishes.