What is the name of the religious service sometimes held for a quinceañera in Catholic communities?

The religious service sometimes held for a quinceañera in Catholic communities is called a Misa de Acción de Gracias.

This Spanish phrase means “Mass of Thanksgiving.” It is a Catholic service in which the family gives thanks for the honoree’s life and asks for blessing and guidance. Depending on local practice, the service may take place before the reception and may include readings, prayers, music, and a formal presentation of the celebrant.

A thanksgiving Mass is not required for every quinceañera. Some families hold a secular celebration, while others belong to different Christian traditions or other faiths. Even among Catholic families, parish requirements and ceremony details can vary.

The service is distinct from a wedding Mass. A quinceañera may use formal clothing, attendants, and processional music, but it does not create a marriage. The central focus remains the honoree’s fifteenth birthday and family transition.