The Quince Año celebration is not a sacrament, but a sacramental  Sacramentals are  "sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments.  They signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church."  The Quince Años celebration is a blessing.   "Among sacramentals blessing come first.  Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts."

In particular, the Quince Años celebration is an outward expression of gratitude to God by the parents for the gift of life for their child. In making it a Church celebration, the parents and candidate invite the Church to join them in thanking God for protection and guidance by sharing their culture with the Church, and give witness to the value of life and family.  The Quince Años celebration invokes a knowledge and acceptance of God, the Trinity, Jesus Christ, Baptism and the Eucharist.

In Seeking the Quince Años blessing, the Quinceañera is making a conscious and active choice to make the faith their own, take personal responsibility for their own faith formation, and commit to living a life in the image of Christ. Therefore, before the final blessing, the quinceañera will make an act of thanksgiving and of a personal commitment to led a Christian life. 

Quinceañera Participation Requirements:
1). The participant must be baptized and a copy of the baptismal certificate must be turned into the Quince Anos Coordinator. 
2). The participant should have already received the scarments of First Communion and Penance or be preparing  for the reception of the sacraments. 
3). The family of the participant should be registered members of the St. Ann parish or may ask permission from the Pastor to prepare at another parish. 
4). The participant should be registered  in the parish religious educaton sessions presenty and the year prior to ther Quince Anos celebration or be in some faith formation process like Catholic school or authorized home study. 
5) An interview with the Quinceneañera Coordinator and Faith Formation Director must be scheduled in order to share spiritual growth, relationship with God and relationship with the Church as well as detailed discussion regarding the TWO options for celebration.