WELCOME TO CGS!
A Quinceañera is a joyous celebration of a young
woman — a "quinceañera" — reaching the age of 15.
The celebration is a way of acknowledging the young
woman has reached maturity and is ready to take on
additional responsibilities. Most importantly, the
celebration reaffirm's her religious faith and the
traditional virtues of the Catholic family.
Quinceañera
In order to celebrate a Quinceañera at CGS the
following requirements must be met:
1.
2.
The quinceañera should have already received her
Baptism & First Communion and should bring in
both Certificates at least (3) months before the celebration. In case she has not done it, she must attend
the appropriate preparation program, however, it
will take more time. The quinceañera must actively
participate in the parish, particularly the Mass and
youth ministry. Parents should be attending Mass as
well.
The quinceañera must present a religious
evaluation test, (3) three months before the celebration. (There will be no quinceañera celebration until
she pass the test)
3. The quinceañera is required (20) twenty community
work hours in the church. For example: work in the
parish office or with any other CGS ministry.
4. The quinceañera should turn in a worksheet (essay)
of 2 pages (in Spanish or English). She can choose
one of the following topics: “How is my life having
Jesus as my friend” or write about her favorite Saint.
This worksheet should be turn in (1) one month prior
to celebration.
5.
6.
Please contact Deacon Alberto, if your daughter has
been enrolled in Faith Formation Classes (catechist)
for the past (6)months here at CGS or at another
church; if this haven't been meet, parents should
contact Deacon Alberto 3 years before the celebration.
The quinceañera should be enroll in Faith Formation classes for at least two years from beginning of
preparation process.
7. Arrangements should be made at least (6) six months
before the date wanted.
The Quinceanera, Parents,
Chambelanes and Damas should:
The quinceañera, parents, chambelanes and damas will be
required to attend formation classes and preparation
classes. If they not catholic practicum's they still be
required to attend this classes to be able to participate in
the celebration. This classes are held usually on Thursdays
7:00PM to 9:00PM.
GodGod-parents
It is very important the selection of godparents, they must
be Catholic practicum's and they should be in good standing with the church. If possible Baptismal godparents are
welcome to attend the ceremony.
The Celebration
ABSOLUTLY NO QUINCEANERAS DURING LENT.
Please note quinceañeras’ celebration at CGS are available in SPANISH ONLY. We are offering private
quinceañera celebrations; please note that we do give priority to sacrament celebrations such as Baptisms or Weddings. Every celebration will be subject to approval. The
celebration (Liturgy of the Word) is done on Saturdays at
11:00 AM or 2:00PM. Having access into the church (1)
one hour prior to the celebration and (1) hour after the
celebration, only if the celebration started on time. This
time will allowed to take pictures. The use of rice, rose
petals or other items ARE NOT ALLOWED to be thrown
either outside or inside the church. Nothing is ALLOWED to be attach to the church pews. There is a (1)
one hour allowance before the celebration to install any
photograph equipment.
Cost and Reservation of the Church
As we mention before, church should be reserved (6) six
months before the wanted date. At that time a down
payment of 50% of the total cost will be required to cover
maintenance expenses, human services and utilities. The
remaining balance should be paid off at least one month
prior to the celebration.
For specific cost please talk to Deacon Alberto. (Please
note that Choir and decoration are not included in these fees)
If the family wants to have music during the celebration,
they may do so. They themselves must make arrangements with choir director Mr . Jesse Reyes (2)two months
prior to the celebration date. The cost of the choir is covered by the family. Mariachis are not allowed.
An additional room will be provided for the quinceañera
and her damas to be use to get ready before the celebration and another separate room will be provided for her
chambelanes to get ready before the celebration.
Dress code
To be able to participate during the ceremony
Quinceañera and participants must wear MODEST attire
NO STRAPLESS GOWNS.
Rehearsal
There is also a liturgical rehearsal on the Thursday or
Friday evening before the celebration. The quinceañera,
parents, godparents and all participants are required to
attend if they are participating during the ceremony.
Punctuality
Christ the Good Shepherd has a busy schedule during the
weekends. For this reason, quinceañera, parents and
participants must arrived (1) one hour before the ceremony. If participants are not on time CGS reserves the
right to cancel or postpone the ceremony to another date
and time as the church schedule allowed.
Photographers and Video
They must be discreet. They cannot in anyway interfere
with the ceremony. They cannot ENTER THE SACTUARY OR GO UP THE STEPS. There will be (1) one
hour after mass for formal pictures, unless you come late.
The same applies for video. NO BRIGHT LIGHTS.
Gifts and Religious Merchandise
We urge the family to keep the whole celebration simple
and not to go to great expenses. However gifts may be
presented to the quinceañera such as: religious medals,
bibles or any other religious merchandise. The presider
will not bless any of the following articles: watches, bracelets, dolls, earrings or any other non religious merchandise.
CGS as a community of faith, cares about your Catholic
journey of faith. We are here to help you with your
spiritual growth and with your relationship with God.
Our purpose is to help you in your celebration for your
quinceañera, for this reason is most important that before any arrangements are made it is required that you
and the quinceañera read, understand and agree with all
these requirements. Remember the meaning of this celebration is: To thank God for the gift of life.