Practical Provisions
1. The Quinceañera and her parents must contact the parish office at least four months prior to the event.
2. Sacramental Requirements:
-The Quinceañera must have received Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. (Must present original certificates at time of sign up).
-If the Quinceañera has not been confirmed,
she must register, attend, and complete Confirmation classes. She will receive the sacrament with her class.
-The Quinceañera and her family must attend Mass every Sunday, or vigil Mass on Saturday, at St. Helen of the Cross Church in Eloy, Arizona.
-Volunteers will be taking attendance in the vestibule with the offering envelope and they will stamp it.
- If she attends Mass at another parish, she must present proof in writing by the priest or deacon witnessing.
-Frequent attendance to Mass at another parish will be considered as a non – residing parishioner and an additional $150.00 donation will be assessed.
3. The Quinceañera must be enrolled and attend school.
We may request a letter of recommendation from her teacher (s) or principal.
4. The Quinceañera cannot…
-Be married, engaged or living in common law union.
-Be a mother.
-Be pregnant.
5. The Quinceañera Celebration
-There are no Quinceañera Celebrations during Advent and Lent.
-The Quinceañera celebrations may be scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays if approved by the Pastor.
-The Quinceañera, her family, and friends must receive the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) prior to the celebration so that they may receive Holy Communion during Mass.
6. During the celebration
-Any triumphal display of vanity is to be avoided.
-The rental of limousines or luxury vehicles are considered a sign of vanity and are strictly forbidden.
-Only the parents or the godparents may walk along side of the Quinceañera as she enters the church and as she leaves.
-In Quinceañeras the court may enter in front of her.
-The Quinceañera cannot have an escort at any moment.
-No more than 7 women or girls and 7 men or boys.
7. Dress Code
-The dress may be white, ivory, or any other appropriate color.
-It must cover the shoulders, chest area in full and fall below the knee.
-The headpiece may be arranged with simple jewels.
-All invited guests must wear appropriate clothes inside the church at all times. No exceptions.
-If the Quinceañeras, or anyone in the party, do not cover their bodies appropriately, they will be escorted outside.
-Men cannot wear hats inside the church building.
-Common sense: If you must ask… don’t wear it!
8. Decorations
-If decorations are to be used, they must be kept simple:
-Flowers must be fresh and natural.
-Absolutely NO tape can be used to
place decorations on the pews.
-Flowers for the Sanctuary must be fresh, natural and they are to remain in the church after the ceremony.
9. Music for the Quinceañera Mass
-All music must be played live (recorded music not allowed).
-Musicians must be approved by the parish.
10. Photography
-Photographers must show proper credentials at the parish office before they are allowed to take pictures. Only authorized photographers will be permitted to take pictures.
-Please call the parish office, if you want to get a list of authorized photographers, or to add someone.
-Photographers must stand in the carpet area or marble floor and under no circumstances stand in the wood floor area of the sanctuary.
11. Donation
-$300.00 per celebration for a stewardship family. If not , the donation will be $400.00.
If the family does not reside within the parish boundaries of St. Helen of the Cross a $400.00 donation will be required.
-Must bring proof of address before signing up.
-A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is required to secure participation on a particular date.
12. Rehearsal
-Rehearsals must be scheduled before the celebration, please contact Ms. Marylou Martinez at (520) 466-7054 or someone authorized by the parish.
-All members of the quinceañera’s celebration will be expected for rehearsal.
13. Gifts for the Quinceañera
-The following gifts are permitted during the celebration of Quinceañera:
Ring, medal, bible, rosary and flowers for the Virgin Mary.
