Please contact Licett Perez at [email protected] or at 713-675-0981 (Tuesday-Friday 9am-6pm)

Quinceañera Blessing Guidelines

Please note that our parish has recently updated its guidelines as of July 25, 2022, to be consistent with both Archdiocesan guidelines and neighboring parishes. These changes will apply to any Quinceañera blessing that is scheduled after January 1, 2023.

OVERVIEW: 

Quinceañera blessings are available to all girls who are:

• Parents need to attend an orientation meeting with the Quinceañera Coordinator,  
• Be register in an OEC religious education classes prior to the blessing, 
  • In case your child is enroll in another parish please provide a letter from the parish where you child is attending Faith Formation classes, 
• Must have received Sacraments of Baptism, 
  • Parents must provide documentation to prove that child has received the Sacrament,
• Attend a Quinceañera Retreat,
• Must participate in any required rehearsal(s).

RETREAT INFORMATION 

Retreat will take place in Mt. Carmel House of prayer.  This retreat is offed 3 times of year, this means that space may be limited. Registrations for retreat are on the 1^st Tuesday of the month and the 3^rd Tuesday of the month in order to register you need to pay $50 deposit.  

Mt. Carmel House of prayer 

9600 Deer Trail Dr. 

Houston, Texas 77038 

Office: 281-931-1698 

HOW ARE QUINCEAÑERA’S CELEBRATED AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH:

Blessing outside of Mass:

• Occurs on Saturdays at 1:00pm 
• Our parish uses the “Order for Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday Outside Mass,” the official ritual published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) www.usccb.org

EXPLANATION OF LITURGY (BLESSING OUTSIDE MASS):

It is within the Pastor’s discretion to offer a blessing outside of Mass. This celebration includes a procession/gathering, the sign of the Cross, a greeting, liturgy of the Word (Readings from Sacred Scripture), an optional homily, intercessions, an act of thanksgiving by the Quinceañera as well as a personal commitment to lead a Christian life, a sprinkling rite, presentation of flowers to image of the Blessed Mother, blessing of religious articles (if necessary), blessing of Quinceañera, a sign of peace, dismissal. This ritual is in accord with the norms of the Catholic Church. 

Things that need to be observed:

1. Both the Quinceañera and her family should dress modestly according to the sacred place, as is the Church; clothing that may have glitter should be avoided.
2. The Quinceañera and her companions must be punctual, it is suggested that they be in the Church 30 minutes before the celebration; in the case of a delay of more than 10 minutes from the agreed time for the event. The Liturgical service will be canceled.
3. The rehearsal for the ceremony will be held one or two days before the celebration, at the time agreed with the Ceremony Coordinator; it is necessary the presence of the court of Honor that accompanied the Quinceañera, as well as the readers and other people that will be part of the ceremony. 
4. Flowers you may have a minimum of two arrangements on each side of the altar. You are responsible to contact and arrange. We can provide you with contact information from florist that decorated before.   
5. Music can be provided by a group from the parish that you are responsible to contact and arrange.
6. Ceremony Coordinator this person takes care of rehearsal and ceremony.  This person will open and close the church for both the rehearsal and ceremony. As well as, running the rehearsal and being present the day of the ceremony guiding everyone in order to have a smooth ceremony.  It is your responsibility to contact this person and arrange dates for rehearsal and payment.    

EXPLANATION OF COST: 

The Catholic Church does NOT sell sacraments, blessings, or ceremonial celebrations. However, our parish does require a church usage fee for cost of electricity, wear, and tear on the facility.

• The total fee is $400 for Parishioners (Must be an active Parishioner at least 2 years)  
• Total fee for Non-Parishioners $600 
• A payment of $100 (non-refundable deposit) must be paid within 10 days of the pastor’s approval. Once approved, the date will be posted in parish calendar. 
• Total balance must be paid within 30 days of the date of the Quinceañera.