“Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church”
Book of Common Prayer, p. 298
Holy Baptism at Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel
In the sacrament of Holy Baptism, we are reminded that we belong to God and nothing can separate us from the love of God. Baptism is an essential step in your spiritual journey and unites you with Christ and the church community.
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Whether for infants, children, adolescents, or adults, Holy Baptism seals your union with Christ. It is a sacred act of love, marking the beginning of your commitment to live out the Baptismal Covenant through active participation in the church’s worship, mission, and ministries.
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At Saint Gabriel's ~ San Gabriel we invite all children and youth to come up during the ceremony to the baptismal water and 'make a holy mess' by placing their hands into the water for a blessing.
What is Holy Baptism?
Holy Baptism is a sacrament in which a person is welcomed into the Christian faith and united with Christ in the Church. Once administered, baptism is indissoluble, meaning it cannot be undone. Whether you are baptized in the Episcopal Church or another Christian denomination, your baptism remains valid and eternal.
Who can be Baptized?
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Infants and Children: Parents or caregivers are invited to meet with clergy for infant baptisms.
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Adults and Adolescents: Baptism for candidates over the age of five includes an age-appropriate baptismal catechism.
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Newcomers to the Faith: If you are new to the faith or have not yet been baptized, you are encouraged to explore baptism and its significance.
Preparing for Baptism
If you are interested in baptism, we invite you to visit Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel and meet with one of our clergy. For infant baptisms, the parents or caregivers are invited to discuss the sacrament with our clergy. For those over five, we offer a baptismal catechism to prepare you for this sacred act.
Next Steps
Baptism is part of your spiritual journey, not the culmination of one. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule a meeting with our clergy and learn more about the sacrament of Holy Baptism.
“...When they are ready and duly prepared, [to] make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism.”
Book of Common Prayer, p. 412
Confirmation & Reception in the Episcopal Church
Confirmation and Reception are important rites of passage in the Episcopal Church. These sacraments deepen your connection with the faith and affirm your commitment to grow in relationship with God and the broader Body of Christ.
What is Confirmation?
At Confirmation, an individual receives the laying on of hands and a blessing from a bishop, affirming their own faith and publicly committing to live out their baptismal promises. This sacrament is a personal choice to continue growing in faith and strengthening your relationship with God.
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Confirmation Classes: Instruction classes are available for teenagers (15 and older) and adults. These classes help prepare candidates for Confirmation by exploring the meaning of faith, the life of the Church, and Episcopal traditions.
What is the Rite of Reception?
The Rite of Reception is for those who have been confirmed in another Christian denomination (e.g., Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian) and wish to be received into the Episcopal Church. This sacrament is an important step in joining the Episcopal community and affirming your commitment to its teachings and practices.
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If you have been baptized and confirmed in another Christian tradition, you are invited to be received into the Episcopal Church through this rite.
When Do Confirmation and Reception Take Place?
Both Confirmation and Reception are typically performed during the annual Bishop’s Visitation, a special service where the bishop visits the church to administer these rites.
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Upcoming Visitation Dates: Contact the parish office for information on the next Bishop’s Visitation and how to prepare for these sacraments.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Are you ready to affirm your faith through Confirmation or Reception?
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Contact us to learn more about these sacramental rites and to sign up for classes or prepare for the Bishop's Visitation.
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Get in touch with our clergy or parish office to discuss your next steps.
​“The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine...the inward and spiritual grace in the Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Christ.”
Book of Common Prayer, p. 859
Holy Eucharist and First Communion
The sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist are central to the life of the Church, as both are instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. He was baptized by His cousin John and shared the Last Supper with His disciples, breaking bread and offering it to them. In the Episcopal Church, we continue to remember and uphold these sacred traditions, along with the other five sacramental rites: Confirmation, Ordination, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation of a Penitent (Confession), and Unction (Last Rites).
What is Holy Eucharist?
Holy Eucharist (also called Holy Communion) is the sacrament in which we receive the Body and Blood of Christ through the bread and wine during worship. This sacrament connects us with Christ and one another, deepening our relationship with God and strengthening our faith.
First Communion in the Episcopal Church
In the Episcopal tradition, any baptized person can receive Holy Eucharist. At Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel, we honor the tradition of First Communion, especially for those coming from Roman Catholic backgrounds where it is a significant rite of passage.
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While any baptized person can partake in Holy Eucharist, we offer special catechism classes for both adults and children who wish to participate in their First Communion. This is an important spiritual milestone where participants learn about the meaning of communion within the Episcopal context.
Preparing for First Communion
We believe that First Communion is an opportunity not only to receive the sacrament but also to deepen understanding and grow in faith. It is a time for families to come together and learn about the sacred nature of the Eucharist and its significance in the life of the Church.
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Family Involvement: We encourage parents, caregivers, and siblings to participate in the catechism classes with the child, fostering a sense of community and commitment to the local parish.
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Catechism for Children and Adults: Classes are available to help all participants understand the spiritual meaning of Holy Eucharist and the importance of communion in the Episcopal Church.
Why is First Communion Important?
Receiving First Communion is a spiritual rite of passage that marks a deeper commitment to Christ and His Church. For children and adults alike, it is a meaningful step in faith formation that helps individuals grow in their understanding of God’s love and the significance of Holy Eucharist.
Are you or your child ready to receive Holy Eucharist or celebrate First Communion?
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Contact us today to learn more about our catechism classes and to prepare for this meaningful sacrament.
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Visit our Church Calendar to find upcoming class dates and to sign up for First Communion preparation.
"The outward and visible sign in Holy Matrimony and the Blessing of Unions is the couple, who come together before God and the community. The inward and spiritual grace is the union of two people in heart, mind, and body, reflecting the covenantal relationship between Christ and the Church."
Book of Common Prayer, p. 423
Holy Matrimony and Blessing of Unions
Holy Matrimony and Holy Unions are sacred and public covenants between two people who love each other and wish to have their union blessed before God and the community. These rites honor the commitment and love shared between couples, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together.
Holy Matrimony
At Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel, we joyfully celebrate Holy Matrimony as a covenantal relationship between two people, acknowledging the beauty and sanctity of marriage. Whether you are seeking a traditional wedding or a unique ceremony, we welcome you to celebrate this momentous occasion with us.
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Wedding Locations: Weddings typically take place at Belmont Ridge Middle School, our home church at St. James in historic Leesburg, or occasionally at other locations that hold special meaning for the couple.
Blessing of Unions
Same-sex blessings are authorized by the Episcopal Church and celebrated here at Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel. We recognize and celebrate the covenant between two people in love, regardless of gender. All couples who wish to have their civil marriage blessed or enter into a faith-based union are warmly invited to receive this sacrament in our church community.
Preparation for Marriage and Blessing of Unions
Marriage and union blessings are deeply sacred acts that require prayerful preparation and support from the faith community. To help couples prepare for this commitment, we offer a series of pre-marriage conversations with one of our priests. These sessions focus on deepening the couple’s understanding of marriage within the Christian faith, building a strong foundation for their relationship, and exploring ways to integrate faith into their life together.
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Participation in Parish Life: We encourage couples to engage in the life of the parish, fostering a sense of community and support as they prepare for marriage.
Next Steps and Inquiries
Are you ready to take the next step in your relationship? Whether you’re planning a wedding or seeking a blessing of your union, we’d love to walk with you through this special journey.
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Contact us at the parish office at 703-779-3616 to schedule a conversation or learn more about preparing for Holy Matrimony or a Blessing of Union.