in chapter six why isn't gabriel at the naming

Everyone in the community gathers at the Auditorium for the Ceremony, while Jonas's father joins the Nurturers with the newchildren on the stage. Father does not have Gabe, since Gabe was granted an extra year of nurturing before his Naming--rather than being released as was customary. Everyone in the family has agreed not to become too attached to Gabe, even though he will spend his nights in their home, since he will be given to a new family unit the following year.