Quinceañeras at St. Joseph
Posted February 11, 2026
The Quinceañera is a traditional celebration of life and gratitude to God on the occasion of the 15th birthday of a young Hispanic woman. This ritual emphasizes the transition from girl to woman. Usually, the family asks for a Mass or a blessing in church. This ritual is frequently celebrated in various countries such as Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Hispanic Catholics in the dioceses of the United States often request this celebration.
The Virgin Mary is a model for women at every social level and at every age. In a Hispanic culture, the decision of a young girl to celebrate her 15 years in the Church offers many possibilities both to her and to the life of our parish. If young girls are received with understanding and with a willingness to attend to their needs, the quinceañera celebration can be a teaching opportunity for the parish community.
St. Joseph has partnered with Our Lady of the Americas Catholic Church (OLOA) to offer a preparation class before the celebration of the Quinceañera. It seeks to complement the Sacrament of Confirmation through talks, prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, the importance of participation in parish life and its ministries. The preparation concludes with a special blessing to the young Catholic who enters adult life and prepares for her new responsibilities.
Classes are typically held every 2 months at OLOA, are 2.5 hours long, and the student is given a certificate of preparation. If interested, contact OLOA at 515-266-6695 to sign up and to find out more information. Please inform them that you are a registered member of St. Joseph Catholic Parish. Additionally, please contact our office at 515-266-2226 if you would like to schedule a quinceañera Mass. We will require proof of attendance of the quinceañera class and that the child is registered for confirmation classes.
Si hablas español, enviar un correo electrónico o llame a Padre Oscar at 515-236-5125.