A tradition that is gaining popularity among many Mexican American communities is that when a young lady reaches the age of 15 years, she has a celebration called quince años, which means 15 years. 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 to the community. The community in turn accepted her as a committed and responsible member.
This custom also dates back to the Jewish custom of presenting the young lady in the temple. The ceremony symbolized the responsibility of the young lady at this time of her life to the human group of which she is a member. The way this custom is popularly understood today by the presentation of the young lady to society. In order to bring out the religious and spiritual dimensions, 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.
This custom also dates back to the Jewish custom of presenting the young lady in the temple. The ceremony symbolized the responsibility of the young lady at this time of her life to the human group of which she is a member. The way this custom is popularly understood today by the presentation of the young lady to society. In order to bring out the religious and spiritual dimensions, 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.
FIFTEENTH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
It is a tradition that Mexican-American communities celebrate on their daughters’ fifteenth birthday.
The requirements at St. Bartholomew’s are:
- The family must be registered parishioners.
- The candidate and her family must be attending Mass regularly. (Envelope usage will determine regular attendance of weekend Mass)
- The candidate must be enrolled in our Religious Education Program (CCE) and have completed two years prior to her fifteenth year (13, 14 and 15 years of age). After the young lady will need to continue your CCE classes for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- The candidate must attend all six Quinceañera classes which are held twice a year, either in February or September @ 7:00 pm. Both parents must attend the first and last class. To register for these classes you must come by the parish office and pay a registration fee of $40 before classes begin. You must arrive 15 minutes early; doors will be locked and no one will be allowed in after 7:00pm.
- The candidate must attend a retreat with the Carmelite Sisters. For information call 281-931-1698 or 281-445-8830.
- The candidate must attend a Day of Reflection, Saturday before her quinceañera.
- Young men will NOT be allowed to stand with the attendees during Mass ceremony.
- Dress Code is modest for both the candidate and her attendees. (Clothes must reflect the occasion – nothing too revealing can be worn)
- The candidate must have received the sacraments of Baptism, First Penance and First Communion.
- Candidate and parents must do community service hours. (5 hours)
- The Quinceañera celebrations are held once a month on the fourth Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. These are group celebrations. There is no Quinceañera Mass in December.
- For more information call Nellie in the CCE office at 281-391-0839.