Retreats help young quinceañeras prepare |
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Written by LAURIE STEVENS BERTKE, Chronicle Writer
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Friday, 26 June 2009 01:00 |
The Office of Hispanic Ministries is sponsoring retreats around the diocese to provide spiritual and practical guidance to any young woman planning to mark her 15th birthday with a “quinceañera.”
Typically celebrated during a Mass that includes a special blessing for the young woman, the quinceañera is a traditional Hispanic celebration giving thanks to God for the gift of life.
Virgilio Guerra, associate director for the Office of Hispanic Ministries, says his office is introducing the quinceañera retreats this year to prepare the young women with catechesis and formation.
The quinceañera is an important event for families, says Mr. Guerra, but oftentimes the focus in placed on the big fiesta that follows the church celebration.
He explains the retreats are intended “to shift that so that they have more of a church experience, also.”
The quinceañera, her parents and her sponsors are all invited to attend one of the bilingual retreats, which provide an overview of the history and meaning behind the quinceañera, an event traditionally celebrated in Mexico and some Latin American counties.
Participants discuss their faith and the roles and responsibilities of being a Catholic-Christian, along with possible Scripture readings and appropriate music for the liturgy.
The retreatants are encouraged to spend time reflecting on their gifts.
“They really need to see that they have great gifts to offer to the family and also to the church,” says Mr. Guerra.
While Mr. Guerra is leading the retreats this year, he says he hopes parents or other adult role models will eventually come forward to help as the program develops.
He says three girls attended the first retreat in Norwalk and seven girls attended the second in Wauseon. Additional retreats are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 18 at Fremont St. Joseph, Aug. 22 at Toledo SS. Peter & Paul and Sept. 12 at Findlay St. Michael the Archangel.
Participation in the diocesan retreat is required for any young woman planning to celebrate her quinceañera. She must also meet with her parish priest five months prior to the celebration to discuss the requirements, be participating in the catechetical program of her parish and be confirmed or enrolled in her parish confirmation program prior to celebrating her quinceañera.
For more information or to register for a retreat, call the Office of Hispanic Ministries at 419-244-6711, ext. 504.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 09:46 |
