The annual general Emmanuel Community retreat in the U.S. took place in Long Island, NY on Columbus day weekend. Theme for the weekend was "I call you friends" (John 15:15). During the retreat, Fr. Joseph Williams from Minneapolis, MN made his first commitment step into the Emmanuel Community with the approval of and support from his bishop. The retreat was also blessed with the presence of two other priests, close friends of the Community: Fr. Sean Maher from Boston, MA, Fr. Marek Pienkowski, O.P. from the Church of Notre Dame in New York, along with one deacon and three other seminarians. In total, over 80 participants attended the retreat.