Springbank Retreat About Us

MISSION STATEMENT & PHILOSOPHY

In the Dominican and Franciscan traditions we choose to live simply, to create beauty, to respect Earth and all beings and to share the learned wisdom as co-creators with the Divine for a sustainable future.

The Springbank staff are in harmony with an integrated approach to life, centered in the Word, conscious of spiritual, mental and physical health, and the extraordinary power of creative energy. We hold a deep respect for all life and accept the responsibility to care for Earth and to foster freedom and well-being in ourselves as well as in others.

FACILITIES

Accommodations - Our guest houses, mostly private rooms, accommodate 30, have bright comfortable lounge areas with large picture windows and outdoor decks.

Meals - The food served is prepared with care and attention to good health and well-being. Meals are mostly vegetarian with an occasional fish, chicken or meat entre.

Meeting Areas - Our guests will find inviting conference areas, comfortable meeting rooms, a spacious art studio with panoramic picture window view of the woods. All facilities are air conditioned and heated.

Sabbatical Schedule - Most programs are presented during the morning with afternoons free, allowing time to walk, rest, continue working with clay, basketry or watercolors, have a massage or meet for spiritual companioning. Usually one or two days a week are scheduled as free days, so participants can visit the beautiful beaches, sculpture and flower gardens and explore historic Charleston.

SPRINGBANK STAFF

Trina McCormick, OP, Director, MFA in painting, is a certified massage therapist, spiritual director and Well-Springs facilitator. She brings a deep respect for Earth through Native teachings, prayer, watercolor and healing massage.

Ursula Ording, OP, MA in Earth Science, teaches hand-built blackware pottery and sawdust firing. She also plans and prepares meals for the Center.

Karla Barker, OSF, MA in Culture and Creation Spirituality, has a background in education, administration and spiritual direction. Through ritual and dialogue, she integrates Christian and Native wisdom.

Judy Markiewicz, SND, MA in Pastoral Counseling, with experience in Social and Human Services and adminstration. Being of Native Heritage, Judy has a deep respect for Earth and Native traditions.

Anne-Marie Bourque, RSM, MA Education and Administration, is a co-founder of Earth Sisters Maine, a group that educates about Earth stewardship issues. Anne-Marie is a Reiki practitioner and a strong advocate for complementary alternative medicine.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Rev. Jim Conlon, PhD - Director of Sophia Center, Oakland, CA
Sr. Marya Grathwohl, OSF - Co-director Native Women's Prayer Lodge, MT
Sr. Karla Barker, OSF - Manager, Springbank
Sr. Gail Worcelo, CP - Co-founder Green Mountain Monastery, VT
Sr. Attracta Kelly, OP - Legal Council, Raleigh, NC
Sr. Carol Coston, OP - Co-director Santuario Sister Farm, Boerne, TX
Sr. Miriam McGillis, OP - Co-founder of Genesis Farm, NJ
Sr. Margaret Galiardi, OP - Associate Director of Homecoming

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sr. Trina McCormick, OP, Executive Director
Bonnie Fogle, RN BS, Chairperson
Cathy McCay, Treasurer

Charles Latour, OP
Terry Carlson, LMT
Rev. Joan Watson
Brother Paul Cullen

Susan Quinn, Esq
Mary Rae Waller, OP
Janice Worrall

News About Us

SISTERS EXCEL IN THE ARTS

The center provides sabbaticals for the spiritually starved. Everything you could possibly need to renew your inner self is there.

The Dominican Sisters of Springbank are the force behind the retreat. Each is capable of providing personal growth through spirituality and prayer, but they also specialize in unique nature-inspired artforms and share their knowledge with guests as "soulwork."

By Micheale Duke/Kingstree News 5/7/03

"Not to hurt our humble brethren [the animals] is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission: to be of service to them whenever they require it."

... St Francis of Assisi

Director of Springbank, Trina McCormick OP, kneels next to Shanti (February 2007). Shanti was sighted by Trina on a busy roadside near her mother dog who was hit by a car. After many days of tirelessly visiting her with food and comforting words, she was "won over" from the roadside ditch where she resided. Shanti is now a very happy member of the Springbank family.

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION

Springbank is located 20 minutes northwest of Kingstree off S.C. Highway 527 (Sumter Highway) on Springbank Road.

We will meet the bus or train in Kingstree or flights arriving at the Florence, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach airports for an additional fee:

Bus/train: $20 per person each way
Airport: $30 per person each way.

RETREAT FEES

All Fees Subject To Change

Private retreats (3 meals and overnight) - $70/day $140 weekend
Daytime groups: (includes lunch) $30/day); (including program) $50/day
Hermitage experience - Request information

Deposit for private groups - $200 (non-refundable)
Deposit for weekend programs - $50 (non-refundable)
Additional fees for use of art building and conference center/chapel

Gift certificates and partial scholarships available

All retreats begin at 7:00 pm (no meal the first evening) and end after the noon meal on the last day.
Private retreats may be scheduled during the Fall and Spring Sabbatical periods. (See calendar)