The tradition of a Quinceañera or Sweet Sixteen celebration is very popular in the South Texas area. This constitutes a ceremony on a girl’s fifteenth/sixteenth birthday to mark her passage to womanhood, to give thanks to God for his blessings, and to present a young woman to the community.
The Quinceañera/Sweet Sixteen serves not only to honor the young woman for her maturity, but also the girl’s parents and family, as well as her Baptismal Godparents. The parents and godparents play important roles throughout the ceremonies.
Unlike Baptism or Confirmation, a Quinceañera & Sweet Sixteen Mass is not a Catholic sacrament. However, it is a significant cultural ritual that solidifies one’s commitment to their faith.
Most societies have rituals signifying a passage to adulthood for both women and men, but the Quinceañera is very distinctive. In former times, the girl’s fifteenth birthday would have signaled that she was an active, adult member of the community, fully ready to take on her share of responsibilities, and indicated that she was of marriageable age and status. Today, the tradition has taken on other meanings but remains a celebration of womanhood, family, and community.
If you are interested in having your Quinceañera/Sweet Sixteen Mass, please contact our Office of Worship at [210] 341-1395, ext. 8360, or you may refer to our Quince Anos & Sweet Sixteen Handbook for our policies, guidelines, and requirements.