St. Mary Church   Good Shepherd Church
Welcome to
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Lampasas and Good Shepherd, Lometa
Catholic Churches of the
Austin Diocese of Texas

Quinceañera

Effective immediately, anyone planning to celebrate a quinceañeras must attend a series of mandatory preparation classes. These classes are for the Quinceañera and her parents AND the entire court. Attendance will be taken. Contact the office for class schedule. All 3 classes must be attended. For any questions regarding this policy, contact the office. So if you have a daughter turning 15 you need to think about this now. These classes will only be offered once a year. If you do not attend these classes you will be unable to celebrate your Quinceañera.

A girl wishing to celebrate this event must be registered in the parish, practicing her faith, received Baptism, Communion, and have been in Religious Education for two consecutive years prior to the celebration. Arrangements must be made no later than six months prior to the celebration.

Although this is not a sacrament of the Church, the policy will be addressed here. The Quinceñeara is a beautiful Hispanic religious custom and tradition which continues to thrive in today's world. This religious ceremony began with the Aztecs, but Spanish colonials later changed the ritual to celebrate a girl's entrance into womanhood. The white dress came to signify purity, and the tradition of presenting roses to the Virgin Mary began because Mary is considered the role model for the girl. The fourteen girls in the honor court represent each year of the young lady's life.

This is now a custom in flux. We must keep the celebration rooted in the church. The girl consecrates herself to God in her vocation as woman. This celebration is where young women are initiated into adulthood. This is also a time to give thanks.

Based on the realities of today, here are the guidelines for St. Mary's and Good Shepherd churches.

  • Arrangements must be made with the parish office six months before the date of the celebration.

  • Candidate must have received the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation, or currently be in confirmation classes.

  • Candidate and family must be registered in the parish of St. Mary's in Lampasas or Good Shepherd in Lometa.

  • Candidate, parents, and sponsors must attend preparation classes.

  • Candidate must be a participating member in the youth group.

  • Appropriate attire for a church service must be worn (modesty is stressed).

  • Music for the service must be approved by the pastor during classes.

  • We want youth involved in the Mass (i.e. Lectors, Prayers of the Faithful, Altar Servers).

  • The Liturgy must be planned in advance by the family and those participating.

  • The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated the night of the rehearsal or at another convenient time.



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