Assumption

Our Story & History

Assumption Catholic Parish began as a parish Mission in December 1950 to meet the spiritual needs of a growing local population; a Mission Church/auditorium followed in 1952, served first by Father John Cotter (1950–51) and then Father M. J. Fogarty (1951–59). The parish itself was formally established on May 23, 1959 by Bishop Coleman Francis Carroll, D.D., the founding bishop of what became the Archdiocese of Miami. After a quarter century of growth, the parish moved into a new Romanesque church designed by architect Richard SanGiovanni and built by Gene Herman, which Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy blessed and dedicated on April 23, 1994. Archbishop Joseph Cassidy of Tuam, Ireland — brother of then-pastor Msgr. Martin J. Cassidy — gave the first homily at that inaugural Mass. A new $1.7 million, 7,300-square-foot Mediterranean-style rectory/office building, dedicated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski in 2016, now stands on the site of the demolished 1952 mission church/auditorium.

• Parish Mission founded: December 1950
• First mission church/auditorium: 1952
• Parish established: May 23, 1959 by Bishop Coleman F. Carroll
• New church dedicated: April 23, 1994 by Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy
• New rectory/office dedicated: 2016 by Archbishop Thomas Wenski

Mission Statement

Assumption Parish is a Roman Catholic community of the faithful dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel through Word, Sacrament, and Service by the generous offering of time, talent, and treasure. The welcoming parish family participates in the salvific mission of Jesus Christ entrusted to his Church through worship and care of all, through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. As the mission statement concludes, Assumption Parish seeks to meet the needs of the present while preparing the way of the Lord for tomorrow.

Parish Staff & Clergy

The parish is led by its current pastor, Rev. Fr. Lazarus Govin, who was installed in 2025. Lay staff includes Kevin Sierra (Director of Music), Cecilia Schaeffer (Sacristan), Ambroise Blaise (Maintenance), Maria Costa and Aurora Meras in the Main Office.

• Pastor: Rev. Fr. Lazarus Govin (2025–present)
• Director of Music: Kevin Sierra
• Sacristan: Cecilia Schaeffer
• Maintenance: Ambroise Blaise
• Main Office: Maria Costa, Aurora Meras

Parish Committees

Lay leadership is organized into four standing committees that advise and support parish life and operations.

• Financial Council — Bill Buck, Chair
• Liturgy Committee — Christopher Cavallo, Chair
• Pastoral Council — John Henry Posada & Diana Salgado, Chairs
• Stewardship/Development — Ed Kirchmier, Chair

Sacraments

The parish prepares children for First Communion (children should be at least 7 years old or have started first grade; call the office for class registration). Couples seeking Marriage should contact the parish office at least two months prior to the desired date. Baptism arrangements are made through the church office. The parish notes that it does not currently offer Confirmation classes or the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Anointing of the Sick is offered at the 9:00 AM Mass on the first Thursday of every month, and Reconciliation is available Friday mornings and Saturday afternoons.

• First Communion classes for children 7+
• Marriage — contact the office at least 2 months in advance
• Baptism — arranged through the church office
• Confirmation — not currently offered at the parish
• RCIA — not currently offered at the parish
• Anointing of the Sick — first Thursday at the 9:00 AM Mass
• Reconciliation — see schedule

Parish Ministries & Volunteer Opportunities

The parish invites parishioners to share their time and talents as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, Greeters, and Overhead Projector operators, and welcomes those interested in joining the Music Ministry under Director Kevin Sierra. A Young Adults Ministry (for those in their 20s and 30s) gathers twice a month from across area parishes for fellowship, spiritual discussion, social events, and service opportunities. The Spanish-language Compartiendo la Fe group meets weekly, and a vibrant Liturgy Committee helps shape parish worship.

• Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, Greeters, Overhead Projector
• Music Ministry — Kevin Sierra, Director
• Young Adults Ministry (20s and 30s)
• Compartiendo la Fe (Spanish faith-sharing)

Visit, Contact & Get Involved

Parishioners and visitors are warmly welcomed at 2001 S. Ocean Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33062 — the church sits right along A1A across the street from the Atlantic Ocean. The parish office can be reached at 954-941-7647 (fax 954-941-9620) or by email at [email protected]; office hours are available by phone. Those wanting to get involved are encouraged to call the office or email [email protected] to volunteer as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Ushers, Greeters, or Overhead Projector operators, or to join the Music Ministry, Young Adults Ministry, or Compartiendo la Fe Spanish group.

• Address: 2001 S. Ocean Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33062
• Phone: (954) 941-7647
• Fax: (954) 941-9620
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://assumptionlauderdale.org/