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Baptism

Baptism is the first step in the faith life of your child and we are excited to be a part of their journey. The community of St. Gabriel sees the contact we have with families as one of the most meaningful relationships in our parish. The fact that you are bringing your child to belong to the community of faith is a testament to your own trust and faith and your love for your child.

Our baptism preparation program meets for two fun and engaging sessions featuring the Video Series: "Belonging" and you will watch videos as part of your preparation and will receive videos links after the class to your email address to watch. These videos offer wonderful insight into the wonderful adventure of raising your child in the faith and in growing in your relationship with the Lord and the Church. Please note, you need to attend preparation before the baptism of your child.

Here at St. Gabriel's, the Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at scheduled dates throughout the year. We cannot accommodate dates chosen by parents due to the number of baptisms we celebrate. Only in the case of medical emergency of the child or an emergency of parents or child's siblings (i.e. deployment, serious illness) can we consider alternate dates and the date chosen is at the discretion of the pastor or deacon who will preside at the Rite. 

To Receive the Sacrament of Baptism

  1. Child must be six-year-old or younger (if older – see RCIA program information)
  2. Household need to attend mass regularly
  3. Parents need to attend the two baptism preparation sessions

Parents are encouraged to register in the parish.  Visit our Newcomer's information here.

For selection of godparents and to download the form that needs to be filled out please visit the Diocese of Richmond site: CLICK HERE. 

Baptism Preparation Sessions Form

Baptism for children occurs between infancy and 6 years of age.
In anticipation of your child’s baptism, please register to attend the baptism session(s). Classes meet in the parish nursery and worship space.

The Fee: $50. This class will cover your role as primary catechist, godparents’ role, and information on the theology of the sacrament including symbolism. At the end of the second session will be a run through of the Rite as celebrate in the parish. Payment can be made by dropping off check at the parish office or mail slot.

OPTIONS FOR CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT:

PRIVATE: Our pastor or if he is away a deacon will preside at the Rite of Baptism outside of mass. There is a cap on 10 children for this option. You have the option to have your child sprinkled or immerse for private baptism.

MASS: Our pastor or if he is away a deacon will preside at the celebration during one of our masses. There is a cap on 3 children per mass for this option. You may only have your child sprinkled at Mass.

PLEASE NOTE: we do not celebrate baptism during Advent or Lent.

Dates to celebrate your child's sacrament are:

Private:Saturday at 10 a.m.
Nov. 30, or Feb. 22

Masses:
Sat. Jan. 11, 5:30 p.m.
Sun. Jan. 12, 11 a.m.
Sat. May 9, 5:30 p.m.
Sun. May 10, 11 a.m.

 
 
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