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That one of the most beautiful customs of our Mexican culture in the Southwest is the ‘Quinceañera’?

The word is Spanish: “fifteen years” and refers to the celebration of a young woman’s 15th birthday, marking her passage from girlhood to womanhood. (The term is also used for the celebrant herself.) It is celebrated as a “coming out party,” akin to a ‘debutant ball’ in some cultures. 

The religious significance of the celebration is the dedication of a young woman to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, one tradition holds, was 15 years of age when the Archangel Gabriel came to her with the announcement of God’s plan and purpose of her life – to bear the Saviour of the world!

In many cases, however, the religious significance takes a ‘back seat’ or is forgotten altogether, and, the party can become a very lavish (and expensive!) event, more along the lines of a wedding reception! Some families have actually gone into debt to pay for the event. In recent years, many families have chosen not to mark the celebration, because of the costs of the ‘expected’ amenities, and because the religious significance has been lost in our increasingly secular culture.

We believe that this is too beautiful a custom to lose, and too important a moment in the lives of our Teens – Hispanic or otherwise – to omit! We also believe “per Maria ad Christus”: ‘through Mary to Christ’ – that devotion to our Blessed Mother will draw one closer to her Son!

What we are proposing is that the Parish will host a once-a-year Quinceañera celebration for all of our young women turning 15 in a given year!

For all the young women who are celebrating their 15th birthday, we will have a Parish-wide celebration, with Mass, the dedication of each young woman, and a Reception to follow, for their families and guests!

SO, that you might begin planning even now, the Parish Quinceañara Celebration is being planned for Saturday, 15 May, 2022. Again, young women who will turn 15 next year will have the opportunity of participating in this beautiful celebration – honoring her and our Blessed Mother!

A word of thanks to all who participated in this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal, which provides vital support for 26 Diocesan ministries and our Diocesan Seminarians -- as of last Friday, you made gifts and pledges of $176,444 - 132% of our Parish Goal! 

This was from 341 parishioners!

“I believe that Mary holds us as she held Christ. I believe that we hold Christ as Mary held Him. We, the People of God. We, the Church – the well-worn and much-loved household of God. When we – whether as individuals or an institution – make a mess of things, we would do well to turn to our Blessed Mother. The wisest among all women (and men) turns our attention to Christ, and tells us simply, “Do whatever He tells you!” Christ is in charge of this household of God. Listen to Him.”

                                                                                                                                    -  Mary Stommes

This link will allow you to attend worldwide streaming Masses:

Prayer for Healing from Coronavirus

Una oración a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: