The book for quinceañeras delves into the religious nature of the celebration.

 Before celebrating your quinceañera, it is important to consider the religious significance you want to give to the ceremony. You already know that this celebration signifies the transition to adulthood, and if you are also a believer, it will also mean a greater commitment to God.

Due to the large number of girls like you who want to use their quinceañera to reaffirm their religious beliefs, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released a book titled "Blessings on Your Quince Years" that will help you and the priest to better plan the ceremony.

The book has been available since September 2008 in bilingual format and includes blessings, prayers, and Bible readings that emphasize the role of women in the church. It also has an appendix of petitions or intercessions in which God is asked for the faith of the quinceañera, as well as for her family and friends.

"Blessings on Your Quince Years" explains how to celebrate the ritual both within and outside the Mass, helps with the selection of readings and music, and emphasizes the importance of committing to live a Christian life now that you are a young woman.

In the ceremony, you can thank God using the following words or similar ones:

"Lord, my God,
I thank you for giving me life
by creating me in your image and likeness
and for calling me to be your child through baptism.
Thank you for sending your Son Jesus Christ to save me
and your Holy Spirit to sanctify me.
I want to respond "yes"
to everything you desire from me in your goodness and love..."

At the end of the Mass, the priest will bless you using the following words or similar ones:

"Loving God,
You created all peoples of the earth
and you know each one of us by name.
We thank you for N., (the quinceañera),
who celebrates her fifteenth birthday today.
Bless her with your love and friendship
so that she may grow in wisdom, knowledge, and grace,
always loving her family
and being faithful to her friends."

Once you receive the blessing, you can resume your religious commitment to society.

"Blessings on Your Quince Years" ("Order for the Blessing on the Fifteenth Birthday") is available in bilingual format and can be purchased for $6.95 through The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' website www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=1198.