"Luker" Application - LUKE 18 2026

"Let the little children come to me. Do not stop them; for it is such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." Luke 18:16-17

Your child is being offered an opportunity to strengthen their faith, meet new people, and establish long-lasting friendships at the 2026 Luke 18 Retreat!

What is Luke 18?

Luke 18 is a weekend long retreat inviting 6th - 8th graders into the Church to help them see how they are not only the future of our Church, but how they embody the Church at this very moment. The program welcomes those in attendance by helping them experience God and His Love. Through high-energy games, skits, songs, personal sharing, and a series of talks given by high school students, the "Lukers" are encouraged to have fun and grow in their faith. The weekend offers the opportunity to experience God's love on a more personal level, and challenges us to share that love as well.

What makes Luke 18 unique?

Luke 18 is special because it is youth ministering to youth. High school students (referred to as "Disciples") give talks about things that are important to your child right now and help them find ways to welcome God into their everyday lives. The retreat is organized and coordinated by adult leaders, but the success of the retreat will come from the high school teens and the "Lukers" coming with an open mind and heart.

The retreat will be held JANUARY 9-11, 2026 at the school next to St. Mary Catholic Church (1706 West Main Street) in Belleville.

The retreat begins Friday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon. The Lukers will go home with their parents on Friday night and return Saturday morning, then Saturday night the Lukers will spend the night at St. Mary's.

The boys and girls will be separated into different areas with adult chaperones. Specific drop-off and pick-up times will be noted in your confirmation letter which will be sent closer to the retreat date.

We strongly encourage Lukers not to leave during the retreat. The retreat is meant to be a time to get away from normal routines and reconnect with God and others, so your child's full presence is vital to the weekend. However, if a child must leave, a parent or guardian will need to sign them out and sign them back in again on their return. This helps us know who is at the retreat at all times.

The retreat registration fee is $50.00 per child (if using Venmo, bank account or check) or $51.50 if using Debit/Credit (includes PayPal processing fees), which helps us cover the cost of meals, supplies, T-shirts, etc.

Below you will find a link to expedite the payment process! If you are looking to pay via cash/check, you can send your application with payment to:

St. Mary Catholic Church

1706 West Main Street

Belleville, IL 62226

If for some reason the fee is a problem, please contact Randy or Beth at bellevilleluke18@gmail.com - please do not let financial reasons prevent your child from attending.

In an effort to properly plan the materials, supplies, food, and order t-shirts for the weekend, we are asking that registration forms be returned by December 26th, 2025.

Please note that registration forms received AFTER this date (12/26) are NOT guaranteed a t-shirt!

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We hope your child will be able to join us as we know this will impact their lives in a very special way!

Beth Schindelar (314) 780-0228

Randy Riesenberger (314) 365-9866

Mel Duncan-Lombardo (618) 610-9250

Chris Dunn (618) 803-9389

Nick Reed (618) 520-5770

Luke 18 2025 Adult Team Leaders

bellevilleluke18@gmail.com

FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW TO PAY YOUR REGISTRATION FEE:

$50.00 - if using Venmo, bank account or check

$51.50 - if using debit/credit, including PayPal processing fees

(Includes t-shirt and meals)

Venmo - @Beth-Schindelar Last 4 digits 0228

PayPal - Belleville Luke 18 - Registration Fee

The following questions are to be completed by the parent/guardian:

Luker's Name

Gender

Grade

Age

Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip

Home Phone

Format: (000) 000-0000.

LUKER Email

example@example.com

LUKER T-Shirt Size

Date of Birth

Date

School

Parish

Parent/Guardian Name(s)

Parent/Guardian Cell Phone

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Parent/Guardian Email

example@example.com

How did you hear about the Luke 18 Retreat?

I can volunteer to prepare/serve a meal:

Friday Evening Snack

Saturday Lunch

Saturday Dinner

Sunday Breakfast

Sunday Lunch

I can chaperone during the day:

Saturday - Anytime between 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday - Anytime between 9:00 am - 1:00 p.m.

I can chaperone overnight on Saturday:

Saturday Evening - 10:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Thank you for volunteering! One of our volunteer coordinators will be contacting you closer to the event to confirm day and time.

I hereby authorize my child to attend and participate in the Luke 18 retreat weekend on January 9-11, 2026 at St. Mary's Church and School. I understand that I assume responsibility for any loss or damage to property or for bodily injury to others caused by my child, whether by accident or intent. In the event that my child requires medical care while participating in this activity, I assume responsibility for payment of all expenses associated with such care.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Date

Should photos or video be taken, I give my permission for the use of the image of my child to be used in any promotional materials relating to future Luke 18 retreats without compensation to me or my child:

Parent/Guardian Signature

Date

Medical Information Form

(to be completed by the parent/guardian)

Does the participant take medications regularly? If yes, describe:

Medication Description

Does the participant have any allergies or chronic illnesses? If yes, describe:

Allergy or chronic illness Description

Is the participant allergic to any drugs or medications? If yes, describe:

Medication Allergy Description

Does the participant have any food allergies or restrictions? If yes, describe:

Food Allergy or Restriction Description

Does the participant have any special needs not listed above that the retreat team needs to be aware of during the weekend?

Yes, I hereby grant permission for non-prescription medication (such as aspirin/ibuprofen, throat lozenges, cough syrup) tobe given to my child, if deemed appropriate.No, I do not grant permission for non-prescription medication (such as aspirin/ibuprofen, throat lozenges, cough syrup) to be given to my child, if deemed appropriate.

In the event of an emergency, I hereby give permission to transport my child to a hospital for emergency medical or surgical treatment. I wish to be advised prior to any further treatment by the hospital or doctor. If consenting, please sign below. If you do not consent, please contact bellevilleluke18@gmail.com with your inquiry:

In the event of an emergency, and you are unable to reach me, please contact:

Name & Relationship

Phone

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Family Doctor

Phone

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Family Health Plan Carrier

Policy #

x Signature

Date

Luke 18 2026 Luker Questionnaire

We want to know more about you!

Please have the Luker complete this form.

Have you been to a Luke 18 retreat before?

How do you feel about coming to this year's retreat?

What are you looking forward to at the retreat?

What are your favorite hobbies/interests?

What are your favorite subjects in school?

What (if anything) is making you nervous about coming to the Luke 18 retreat?

Is there anything we should know about you? (we would like to be as helpful as possible)

Do you know anyone else either attending the retreat or on the team (friends/relatives)? If so, please list their names and how you know them

Lastly - WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE PERSON WHO CAME TO YOUR SCHOOL TO TALK ABOUT LUKE 18?