Dear Eighth Grade Parents,

Get excited! The sixth-annual Assumption Luke 18 Retreat is fast approaching! Assumption Youth Ministry is
hosting the retreat over the weekend of March 27-29, 2009. This retreat is offered to eighth graders who are
preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is a way to get them to “open the invitation” given to them by
God as they get ready to be fully initiated into the Church. The Luke 18 Retreat is designed to remind the
eighth graders that they are important to the Church right now, as well as in the future. Luke 18 has been
successful retreat experience for more than 20 years. The retreat is comprised of talks, songs, games, and
personal sharing. Eighth graders are encouraged to have fun and break down any walls they may have. High
school- and college-age students make up the team that gives the talks and leads discussion groups. Through
meetings, planning sessions, and lots of prayer prior to the weekend, this team will prepare itself to be a witness
to the eighth graders. The goal is to help prepare the eighth graders spiritually to become full members of the
Church and good witnesses of Christ.

The Luke 18 will be held March 27-29, 2009, at Assumption Parish Center, 403 North Main St. Check-in begins
at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night, March 27th, and the retreat begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. Each eighth grader
attending the retreat is required to remain there for the entire weekend to ensure that all retreat-goers receive
the most out of the weekend. On Friday and Saturday nights, the eighth graders will be sleeping at
parishioners’ homes, separated into all-male and all-female sleep groups and accompanied by two team
chaperones. We invite all family and friends of the eighth graders to the closing of the retreat with a 4:00 p.m.
Mass on Sunday, March 29, at Assumption Church.

It might be helpful to offer a tutorial on Luke 18 “terms”. We have several “older” young adult leaders who are
putting things together before the retreat and will participate throughout the weekend, acting as the “adults.”
First, we have a Married Couple (MC), who is your primary contact people before and during the retreat. They
are Jen and Mike Gagliano. Next, we have two Young Adult Team Leaders (YATLs) who direct the retreat. They
are Kristen Winkelmann and Matt Winkelmann. Lastly, we have a number of Young Adult Support Team
members (YASTs), and they act as the support beams to the YATLs throughout the weekend.

Outside of praying for your children and supporting them by celebrating Mass with them at the closing of the
retreat, there are many ways you can help during the weekend. Volunteer help with sleep houses, meal
preparation, and registration are a few ways in which your support is needed and appreciated in the overall
experience for the eighth graders. The volunteer opportunities are described in detail in the form attached.
After the registration forms have been received, a Release and Consent Form and a List of Things to Bring will
be sent to your eighth grader.

The cost of the Luke 18 is $55 per person, which covers all meals, supplies and a t-shirt. Please make checks
payable to Assumption Church. There will be an additional $5 fee for those registering after March 17th.
Lukers who register after this date will not receive a t-shirt. Registration and volunteer forms along with
checks can be dropped in the mail slot at the Rectory or mailed to the Parish Office: 403 North Main, O’Fallon,
MO, 63366. Please mark all envelopes “LUKE 18 REGISTRATION”. All forms are due by Friday, March 17th.
If the registration fee presents a problem financially, contact Cheryl Bragg at the Parish Office, 240-3721, ext
222.

Thank you in advance for volunteering to make the retreat possible! We hope your son or daughter is able to
share in the experience with us. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call or e-mail
Jen Gagliano at 636-332-1374/ jgagli@centurytel.net.

Peace in Christ,

Kristen Winkelmann & Matt Winkelmann Jen & Mike Gagliano

Young Adult Team Leaders Married Couple