EVENT PRODUCTION

CATHOLIC, CHRISTIAN, OR  HISPANIC QUINCEANERA AT VICTORY CHAPEL
CATHOLIC OR CHRISTIAN SWEET SIXTEEN AT VICTORY CHAPEL
Celebrating a Quinceanera or Sweet Sixteen is a beautiful coming-of-age tradition. It has customarily highlighted the treasured values of the Latino culture – God, family and friends and the virtues of family and social responsibility. It is a time of contemplation for the young lady and her family, as they reflect on the amazing milestone of her 15th or 16th birthday, and the future that lies ahead. It is an enriching experience for the guests, a fun time for the young people and a day that she will treasure forever.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CLERGY
"Muchas gracias a Usted por acompanarnos y celebrar una ceremonia tan bonita, con un motivo tan importante para nosotros como el cumpleanos de nuestra hija. Quedamos muy complacidos y tenga por seguro que en cualquier evento o celebracion lo recomendaremos y lo tenemos pendiente por si nosotros necesitamos nuevamente de sus servicios." Fathers: Rudy, Francisco, and Cecil of Victory Chapel, San Bernardino.
Quinceañera Ceremony: English/Spanish
The quinceanera in tradition goes back to the Aztec and Maya cultures celebrating young girls who became eligible to marry, have chldren and to take on womanhood within their local community. It was the Spaniards who embraced the tradition and added it to the Catholic Church, although it is not a sacrament of the church. Some have asked if it is appropriate to skip the church ceremony and only have the reception; most will tell you that the Quinceanera should never be celebrated without the church ceremony. After all this is a spiritual celebration as well, where the princess promises to renew her faith in God by serving her family, community and humanity with honesty and purity as she enters womanhood. The traditional gifts presented to the quinceañera by her parents and padrinos at her church ceremony hold religious symbolism. The tiara placed on her head signifies her standing as a princess in the eyes of God. The quinceañera earrings remind her to listen to God's word. The quinceañera bracelet represents the unbroken nature of God's love; it is unceasing. The scepter represents her receiving the responsibilities of being a woman. She also receives a patron saint medal, rosary, or quinceañera Bible to remind her of her foundation in faith. These items are her tools for navigating through life as a woman of faith
Many of the young girls celebrating are second generation latinos that speak English as their primary language. This makes it ideal for a bilingual ceremony so that all the guests can participate and understand the significance of the ceremony. Rev. Ron is available to officiate your Quinceanera in English, Spanish, Bilingual or Spanglish. The ceremony and the gifts can be customized to fit your budget. There are no set rules to a Quinceanera; all elements of the ceremony are optional and can be designed to reflect your personality, traditions and beliefs.

Christian Quinceañera
This might be the question I hear most often these days. Is it ok to have a quinceañera if I am not Catholic? The answer is yes, of course. Most other denominations are beginning to recognize the importance of this event in the life of a young Latina and they are responding with liturgy that is specific to their church doctrine be it Catholic, Christian, or Non-denominational. If you have never seen one in your church, make an appointment to talk to us about it. We are happy to have the chance to talk with young girls, along with her parents, about the importance of their faith as they grow into young women.

Bilingual Quinceañera Church Ceremony
This might be the question I hear most often these days. Is it ok to have a quinceañera if I am not Catholic? The answer is yes, of course. Most other denominations are beginning to recognize the importance of this event in the life of a young Latina and they are responding with liturgy that is specific to their church doctrine be it Catholic, Christian, or Non-denominational. If you have never seen one in your church, make an appointment to talk to us about it. We are happy to have the chance to talk with young girls, along with her parents, about the importance of their faith as they grow into young women.

Instructions
Meet with the family. Choose scripture reading and discuss the course of the ceremony.
Prepare the prayers and scripture readings. The pastor or priest welcomes all attendees with a prayers asking for God's blesssings. After the readings chosen by the family are read to the congregation. 

Allow the girl of honor to take the pulpit. She may renew her baptismal vows, if desired, then she will lead the congregation in a thanksgiving prayer or dedication. She will relight her baptismal candle, if she chooses, and she will change her shoes from flats to heels. This  represent her transition to womanhood.
Present the girl with 15 red roses if the ceremony is Protestant; present the roses to a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary if the ceremony is Roman Catholic. In a Mexican Catholic ceremony, the flowers are presented to the girl and one of her sponsors, who then presents the flowers to the Virgin Mary. Review this part of the ceremony with the family in the pre-ceremony meeting.
Allow the parents and sponsors to present gifts to the guest of honor. Five gifts commonly are presented at a spiritual quinceanera celebration: Bible, Crown, Cross Necklace, Ring and Earrings.
What is a Quiceanera Court?
In Latin American culture, a girl comes of age officially on her 15th birthday. The girl's family typically throws a large party, called a quinceanera, to celebrate the occasion. Many Hispanic families in America observe the tradition of the quinceanera. This celebration is in lieu of the Sweet 16 that is common in the US.. The quinceanera party incorporates many traditions, including having a court of honored guests.
The main public role of the court is to perform the first big dance of the party, following the quinceanera girl's dance with her father. The court's dance is generally a choreographed waltz that can incorporate both traditional and more modern dance steps. The quinceanera court is highly visible during much of the ceremony and reception, both through their grand entrance preceding the birthday girl's entrance and by sitting at the head table during the dinner. The court often has behind-the-scenes tasks to complete as well, including helping with decorating the reception hall and the cars in which members of the court ride.
Traditionally, a quinceanera court has seven girls, seven boys and the birthday girl. This makes a total of 15, to match the age of the birthday girl. Another take on the tradition has a total of 15 couples, one of which is the birthday girl and her escort. If a girl would prefer to have a court of a different size, modern traditions allow her to break from the typical number or to include only girls. However, if the party will include a partner dance, the court should have equal numbers of boys and girls.
PARTY, PARTY AT VICTORY CHAPEL
Quinceanera parties represent the passage from girlhood to womanhood for Catholic girls of Hispanic heritage. These parties are reserved for young ladies on their 15th birthday who have maintained their purity. Quinceaneras parties are also a time to honor the parents for raising a virtuous daughter. Girls anticipate their quinceaneras in the same way they anticipate their wedding day; her party must be special and different than any other and still remain in keeping with the cultural traditions.

Quinceanera Themes at Victory Chapel
Choosing a theme for the Quince or Sweet 16 can be a way to personalize the celebration. The theme choices are limited only by the girl’s imagination! The theme may revolve around the girl’s special interests, her dream fantasy or her unique style
Some popular motifs are: Stars, Butterflies, Fairies, Roses, Angels, and Snowflakes.
And, there are full-fledge themes that make the party a memorable experience for the guests, like:

Carnival/Mardi Gras, Phantom of the Opera

Arabian Nights/Aladdin, Under-the-Sea

Fairytale Princess/Cinderella, Precious Moments

Winter Wonderland, Garden Party, Safari, Luau

A Night in Paris, Music, Rock n’ Roll
Even though a Quince is a traditional celebration, customs change. There is no one right way to do this. Each girl is unique and her celebration is a way to showcase her uniqueness!

The Quinceanera Waltz (The Vals)  at Victory Chapel
The highlight of the celebration is the beautiful custom of the Waltz. The quinceanera dances the first dance with her father or honored male family member, and the music is traditionally a waltz. With favorite quinceanera songs such as De Niña a Mujer (From Child to Woman) and La Ultima Muñeca (The Last Doll), the father-daughter dance is a special moment in time.
The Quinceanera waltz can be followed by a specially crafted choreography that she and her Court of Honor perform. This can range from a simple line dance to a much-rehearsed production complete with props. Music ranges from traditional waltzes to hip-hop dance routines. It is a wonderful way to showcase the quinceanera and her Court, and provide fun entertainment for her guests.

SWEET SIXTEEN OR QUICEANERA CELEBRATION AT VICTORY CHAPEL.
Both celebrations recognize the coming of age and have some similarities, but they have different traditions. In countries of Latin America, they call the celebration of when a girl reaches the age of maturity, a Quinceañera. The origin of a Quinceañera goes all the way back to the indigenous cultures of the Americas, for example, the Aztec and the Maya. When a girl came upon the age of fifteen, she was then considered a woman. They would then be wed and allowed to carry a child. Today, girls do not get wedded at the age of fifteen; however the celebration is still kept. That became a tradition later on.
Traditions for Quinceañeras consist of candle lighting at a church, the last doll which symbolizes the last toy of her childhood, the shoe ceremony where they replace the flat with a heel, and the dance between mother and daughter as well as the dance between father and daughter. Another tradition is wearing a pink dress. In Latin American countries, there is typically a church service that they attend where they talk about women and the coming of age.
Traditions for Sweet Sixteens vary because there are many different ethnic backgrounds. However, they run around the same lines. However, Quinceañeras are what girls in Latin and South America dream of. In North America and other countries the majority of people with European origins celebrate the “coming of age” at sixteen. The original origin isn’t clear, but it is evident that it has found its place in girl’s lives. As for traditions, there aren’t really all that many.
We look forward to seeing and meeting you and help plan your quiceanera or sweet 16. I hope the information above will clarify the meaning of your events. We do the decoration and can make your fairy tale come true.


BAPTISM AND DEDICATION IN SPANISH  OR ENGLISH.
CHRISTIAN AND/OR CATHOLIC BY MINISTER OR PRIEST

A baptism may be performed several different ways. A minister may be called to be baptized or to baptize another person. For many ceremonies Water used as the common method to anoint. The common variance in almost all baptism is the manner of which it is applied. It (the water or fine blessed oil) may be sprinkled on the head, one may be immersed once or as many as three times, forwards and backwards in natural body of water, and in some ceremonies water may not be used at all; a person may also be baptized simply with blessed anointing oil.

There are those who believe in the of "Baptism of an Infant" and "Baptism of a Believer". Both can be appropriate upon the requirements and members of your congregation.
In the baptism of a Believer; an adult has made a conscious choice to be baptized in a particular church or religious group. They can choose to be immersed or choose to be sprinkled, but ultimately the responsibility of their own spiritual growth, is a conscious choice. During a Baptism of a Believer - your guidance in this type of baptism may be required or can be be dependent upon the person’s beliefs beyond his church affiliation. "Baptism of an Infant" was said to have been an established practice during the time of the Apostles, when the infants of Christians were baptized into specific religious denomination. During an infant baptism, normally the parents or guardians of the child will speak for the infant. Most notable ceremonies will include a pledge or promise to the child and to the congregation, that the guardians or parents have and will accept responsibility for the child’s spiritual growth. The faith and beliefs of the parents or guardians is the guiding factors of the infant, until the child is of age to take and make a choice of their own spiritual responsibility.

Water Baptism Ceremony:
Father, you give us grace through sacramental signs, which tell us of the wonders of your unseen power. In baptism we use your gift of water, which you have made a rich symbol of the grace you give us in this Holy Sacrament. At the very dawn of creation your Holy Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all Holiness.
With the waters of great flood you made a sign of the waters for baptism, that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. Through the waters of the Jordan your Son was baptized by John and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Your Son willed that water and blood should flow from his side as he hung upon the cross. After his resurrection he told his disciples: “Go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

You created man in your likeness. Through this baptism {he/she} is cleansed him from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Holy Spirit.

[The minister then can touch, sprinkle, pour or immerse and then continue:]

We ask you, Father, with your power to send the Holy Spirit upon the water of this font. May all who are buried with Christ in death of baptism rise also with him to newness of life. We ask this in your name. Amen

[The minister then ask's all to pray]

Minister to the parents and congregation:
You have called your child(ren), {child's name} to the cleansing waters and to be birth anew so that by the divine light of the creator. {Parents Name} with your love and compassion and by sharing your faith and by the power of your Faith with {child's name} they might have eternal life. God bless this water in which they will be baptized. As We live in the grace of God. Amen.
Praise to you, almighty God, for you have created water to cleanse and to give life. Praise to you, Lord God the Holy Spirit, for you anointed the children with the waters of life, so that all who are baptized in it may be washed clean of all sin, and be born again to live as your divine children. Amen.
Come to us, Lord God, Father of all, and make Holy this water which you have created, so that all who are baptized in it may be washed clean of all Sin, and be born again to live as your Divine Children. Father God of mercy, through these waters of baptism you have filled us with new life as your very own children. Amen.
From all who are baptized in water and the Holy Spirit, you have formed one people, united in your presence.You have set us free and filled our hearts with the Spirit of your Love, that we may live in your peace. You call those who have been baptized to announce the Good News of Enlightenment to people everywhere. Amen.
We look forward to seeing and help you fulfill your sacred ceremony and meet your child's God-Parents. 


KIDS  ZONE

And after the baptism or dedication we can host your reception. We have a  free child zone area for kids approximately 4000 sq ft. A great place while parents are dancing, chatting, and having fun.