Children, Youth, and Family Programs
Your children and youth are cherished members of the Body of Christ.
Here, you'll find a welcoming, engaging, and faith-filled environment where your family can grow together in faith. There’s a place here for your child to belong, learn, and thrive in Christ’s love.
*Nursery care is available for infants and young children (up through first grade) during all of our worship services.
Sunday Mornings for Children & Youth
We offer age-appropriate faith formation (education) during our Sunday services to help young people explore scripture, deepen their relationship with God, and engage with their church community.
Children's Sermon & Sunday School
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Each Sunday, children receive a special Gospel-based message before heading to their Sunday School classes (offered September through mid-June), where they engage in stories, crafts, and activities designed to help them understand and live out their faith.
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Children return to the main service for the Peace and Holy Communion to worship alongside their families.
Babies & Young Children
Families with infants and toddlers are welcome in worship! We offer a staffed nursery for infants and children up to first grade age, ensuring a safe and loving environment while parents participate in the service.
Youth Ministry & Leadership Opportunities
Our youth are encouraged to be active participants in church life and leadership. Opportunities for involvement include:
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Acolytes & Worship Assistants – Serving as acolytes, ushers, lay readers, and assisting in worship services.
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Mission & Outreach – Engaging in hands-on service projects that support our community and beyond.
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Youth Gatherings & Retreats – Special events designed to strengthen faith, friendships, and personal growth.
Interested in getting involved in any of our Youth programs? Check out our Parish Calendar for upcoming events or contact us about getting involved!
Quinceañera at Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel A Rite of Passage and Faith
The quinceañera is a significant rite of passage, marking a young girl's transition into adulthood. Traditionally, it’s a time when a girl and her family come to the church to receive a blessing, recognizing this time in life as a meaningful step toward adulthood. While quinceañera celebrations vary widely, from large extravagant parties to intimate gatherings, the heart of the celebration is an opportunity for the quinceañera to refocus her life on Christ as she embarks on a new phase of life.
The Three Main Components of a Quinceañera
Preparation:
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At Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel, the quinceañera, along with her friends and family, participates in preparation classes with our clergy. These classes focus on spiritual growth, faith, and understanding the significance of this transition. The quinceañera reflects on her relationship with Christ and the church, which is central to the entire process.
Church Service:
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The quinceañera’s celebration culminates in a blessing ceremony at our church. This special church service marks the beginning of her new phase of life, asking for guidance, faith, and strength as she enters adulthood with a renewed commitment to Christ and her faith community.
Celebration:
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After the church service, a celebration may follow, depending on family traditions. While the style and size of the celebration can vary, the church service remains the central focus of the quinceañera.
Celebrate Your Quinceañera at Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel in Leesburg
At Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel, we are honored to be part of your quinceañera celebration. The preparation, service, and meaningful reflection on faith are integral to making this transition a spiritual and personal milestone.
To learn more about celebrating your quinceañera at Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel, please contact us at info@saintgabriels.net to get started.
Family-Friendly Events & Faith at Home
We believe faith is meant to be lived out in daily life, so we offer family-friendly events and resources to help parents nurture their children’s faith at home.
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Seasonal Activities & Celebrations – Special events like Advent workshops, Lenten activities, and family service projects.
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Parent Resources & Support – Helping families incorporate faith-based practices into their daily routines.
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Intergenerational Worship & Service – Encouraging families to serve and worship together.
Visit our Parish Calendar to see all of our upcoming events and services!
Supporting Families with Special Needs
Families with children who have learning challenges, physical or behavioral needs are not only welcome, but are also an important and cherished part of our congregation. This inclusion is central to our identity as the Body of Christ.
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Sunday School for All: Children with special needs are encouraged to attend Sunday School for their lifelong Christian formation. All children, regardless of ability, are invited to engage in meaningful learning and grow in faith alongside their peers.
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Liturgical Involvement: We believe that every child, regardless of ability, has a place in our worship services. Children with special needs are invited to participate in liturgical ministries such as greeting, reading, and serving as acolytes.
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Supportive Community: If a child has a “moment” during one of our services, the Saint Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel community responds with compassion and understanding. We embrace and support each person and their family, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and loved.
We are proud to support families with special needs, ensuring that everyone can learn, grow, and serve in a community that celebrates all abilities.
Summer Camps & After School Programs
These summer camps offer a unique opportunity for young people to experience God, build lifelong friendships, develop skills, and grow spiritually.
Shrine Mont Camps
We encourage all parish families to consider sending their child or teen to Shrine Mont Camps, located in Orkney Springs, VA.
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Campers participate in outdoor adventures, worship, and faith-based activities that deepen their connection to God and creation.
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Programs are available for different age groups, ensuring that every child has a meaningful and enriching camp experience.
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Scholarships are available to ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend. Contact the parish office for details.
Educando con Amor - Education with Love STEAM Camps and After School Programs with Saint Gabriel's ~ San Gabriel
Saint Gabriel ~ San Gabriel Educando con Amor - Educating with Love summer STEAM camps and After School Programs offer engaging, hands-on experiences that encourage problem-solving, creativity and teamwork in a supportive environment.
These classes help students develop science, technology, engineering, art, music, and math skills while building confidence and a love for learning.
Join Us!
We welcome all children, youth, and families to grow in faith, serve in community, and experience God's love at Saint Gabriel's-San Gabriel.
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Have questions? – Contact us for more information about our programs, or join us Sunday to check it out!
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Interested in Volunteering? We're always looking for caring adults to support our programs. Contact us to learn about becoming a registered volunteer for our programming!
