Saint Brendan Voyagers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Voyagers Program?
The Voyagers Program is Saint Brendan’s new, high-energy faith enrichment program on Sunday mornings during the 9:30 a.m. Mass for children 3 years old through kindergarten and their siblings. Using our state-of-the-art HD Multimedia system and highly-trained “cruise directors,” children will travel back in time and across the globe to meet interesting characters from the Bible and learn about their faith at an age-appropriate level. Children will receive their own “passport” that will be stamped each week they attend the program. And of course there’ll be plenty of time for fun and play!
Where does the Voyagers Program happen?
We recently remodeled a beautiful space for the Voyagers program in our convent building adjacent to the church that we’re calling, Li’l Church. The address is 234 Ulloa Street. Children and their parents enter through the gates in the rear of the building marked with our Voyagers logo. It’s easy. Just follow the fun, kid-friendly signs to this special area designed just for children. From the church, parents have quick access by exiting through the side doors and walking down the path about 100 feet.
When does the Voyagers Program happen?
The Voyagers Program replaces our former Children’s Liturgy of the Word and now happens during the entire period of the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Check-in begins at 9:15 a.m., and parents should pick up their children immediately after Mass ends at 10:30. Don’t worry if you’re running a little late. We understand and will keep the doors open for a while even after Mass begins.
Can I Pre-Register for the Voyagers Program?
Yes! In fact, we strongly encourage it because space in the program is limited. You can register on our website at www.stbrendanparish.org/form--faith-formation-registration.html. Or you can register at any session of the Voyagers Program using our customized software system described below. You’ll be asked to enter information about and submit photos of you and your child.
Can I have my child with me during part of the Mass?
We have structured the program to take place during the full hour of the Mass both to allow parents the opportunity to worship without distraction and to ensure the safety of your child by using a consistent check-in and check-out procedure described below. We understand that having their child with them during part of the Mass may be important to some parents. We therefore allow parents to check-out their child at any time during the Mass by coming to Li’l Church.
Who will be interacting with my children?
The Voyagers program is supervised by our Office of Evangelization & Faith Formation. The director, Manolito Jaldon, will be onsite every Sunday morning to ensure a safe and secure learning environment. Mr. Jaldon is certified by the Archdiocese as a Master Catechist, has been involved with children for over a decade at several schools and programs throughout the Bay Area, and is a sought-after speaker for many youth gatherings and retreats. Our volunteer co-director, Carol Grewal, the former principal of Saint Brendan School for twelve years and an elementary school educator for thirty-two years, also will be onsite every Sunday morning. In addition to our two “cruise directors,” we invite teen volunteers from the parish school and local high schools to assist in the program by greeting children and their parents and facilitating small group discussions.
How will you ensure the safety of my child while attending the Voyagers Program?
At Saint Brendan, the safety of your child is our primary concern. We follow every child protection mandate and guideline developed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Every adult staff member and volunteer interacting with your child has been fingerprinted through a national FBI database and successfully completed a comprehensive child safety program called Virtus. At no time will your child be left alone with any priest, staff member, or volunteer. Furthermore, we require a stringent check-in and check-out process using a highly-acclaimed church management software system that ensures your child will be released to the proper person after the program has concluded.
What about bathroom breaks and other special needs?
Because of the high-energy nature of the Voyagers Program, we have limited ability to help with bathroom breaks. Therefore, we ask parents to escort their children to the restroom, if necessary, before the program begins. If your child needs to use the restroom during the program and can do so without assistance, permission will be granted. If your child requires assistance, we will text you and ask you to help him or her. Single-use restrooms are conveniently located within the convent kindergarten area. Our software system also informs program leaders of any special needs your child may have and allows us to text you during Mass at any time should your child require your attention.
What if I have other questions?
Feel free at any time to email us or call us at (415) 969-6814. We're happy to answer any other questions!
The Voyagers Program is Saint Brendan’s new, high-energy faith enrichment program on Sunday mornings during the 9:30 a.m. Mass for children 3 years old through kindergarten and their siblings. Using our state-of-the-art HD Multimedia system and highly-trained “cruise directors,” children will travel back in time and across the globe to meet interesting characters from the Bible and learn about their faith at an age-appropriate level. Children will receive their own “passport” that will be stamped each week they attend the program. And of course there’ll be plenty of time for fun and play!
Where does the Voyagers Program happen?
We recently remodeled a beautiful space for the Voyagers program in our convent building adjacent to the church that we’re calling, Li’l Church. The address is 234 Ulloa Street. Children and their parents enter through the gates in the rear of the building marked with our Voyagers logo. It’s easy. Just follow the fun, kid-friendly signs to this special area designed just for children. From the church, parents have quick access by exiting through the side doors and walking down the path about 100 feet.
When does the Voyagers Program happen?
The Voyagers Program replaces our former Children’s Liturgy of the Word and now happens during the entire period of the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Check-in begins at 9:15 a.m., and parents should pick up their children immediately after Mass ends at 10:30. Don’t worry if you’re running a little late. We understand and will keep the doors open for a while even after Mass begins.
Can I Pre-Register for the Voyagers Program?
Yes! In fact, we strongly encourage it because space in the program is limited. You can register on our website at www.stbrendanparish.org/form--faith-formation-registration.html. Or you can register at any session of the Voyagers Program using our customized software system described below. You’ll be asked to enter information about and submit photos of you and your child.
Can I have my child with me during part of the Mass?
We have structured the program to take place during the full hour of the Mass both to allow parents the opportunity to worship without distraction and to ensure the safety of your child by using a consistent check-in and check-out procedure described below. We understand that having their child with them during part of the Mass may be important to some parents. We therefore allow parents to check-out their child at any time during the Mass by coming to Li’l Church.
Who will be interacting with my children?
The Voyagers program is supervised by our Office of Evangelization & Faith Formation. The director, Manolito Jaldon, will be onsite every Sunday morning to ensure a safe and secure learning environment. Mr. Jaldon is certified by the Archdiocese as a Master Catechist, has been involved with children for over a decade at several schools and programs throughout the Bay Area, and is a sought-after speaker for many youth gatherings and retreats. Our volunteer co-director, Carol Grewal, the former principal of Saint Brendan School for twelve years and an elementary school educator for thirty-two years, also will be onsite every Sunday morning. In addition to our two “cruise directors,” we invite teen volunteers from the parish school and local high schools to assist in the program by greeting children and their parents and facilitating small group discussions.
How will you ensure the safety of my child while attending the Voyagers Program?
At Saint Brendan, the safety of your child is our primary concern. We follow every child protection mandate and guideline developed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Every adult staff member and volunteer interacting with your child has been fingerprinted through a national FBI database and successfully completed a comprehensive child safety program called Virtus. At no time will your child be left alone with any priest, staff member, or volunteer. Furthermore, we require a stringent check-in and check-out process using a highly-acclaimed church management software system that ensures your child will be released to the proper person after the program has concluded.
What about bathroom breaks and other special needs?
Because of the high-energy nature of the Voyagers Program, we have limited ability to help with bathroom breaks. Therefore, we ask parents to escort their children to the restroom, if necessary, before the program begins. If your child needs to use the restroom during the program and can do so without assistance, permission will be granted. If your child requires assistance, we will text you and ask you to help him or her. Single-use restrooms are conveniently located within the convent kindergarten area. Our software system also informs program leaders of any special needs your child may have and allows us to text you during Mass at any time should your child require your attention.
What if I have other questions?
Feel free at any time to email us or call us at (415) 969-6814. We're happy to answer any other questions!
