What type of religious service may open a Catholic quinceañera?

A Catholic quinceañera may open with a thanksgiving Mass.

This service is commonly called a Misa de Acción de Gracias, meaning “Mass of Thanksgiving.” During it, the celebrant and her family give thanks for her life and ask for guidance as she enters a new stage. The service may take place before the reception.

The Mass is not a sacrament like baptism, confirmation, or marriage. A quinceañera is a cultural and family milestone that may be celebrated in a Catholic setting, but it does not itself make the celebrant an adult in church law or civil law.

Practices differ considerably. Some parishes require preparation, while some families hold a prayer service or skip the religious portion entirely. The reception can therefore be religious, cultural, or a combination of both, depending on the family and local community.