About Our Lady of the Lake · Southwick, Massachusetts
Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Southwick, Massachusetts, is a welcoming Catholic community dedicated to living out the message of Christ through love and service. Rooted in faith nourished by the Eucharist and guided by the Holy Spirit, the parish encourages youth, embraces newcomers, and invites all to participate in worship, prayer, and service to the local area. The parish offers a variety of ministries, sacraments, and faith formation opportunities for all ages, fostering a family-like environment built on shared spiritual life and community involvement.
- Patron
- Our Lady of the Lake
- Rector
- Rev. Anthony Amponsah-Poku
- Diocese
- Diocese of Springfield
Why belong here
Join a community that welcomes everyone, offers youth encouragement, and invites participation through ministries like visiting the homebound, volunteering at food pantries, and youth groups. You can grow in faith through religious education, sacraments, and liturgical ministries while celebrating your gifts through service to Southwick and beyond.
Mass times at Our Lady of the Lake
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:00pm to 3:45pm
- By appointment (call the office)
Parish History
The parish has a rich history rooted in the faith of its founding members who gathered under the leadership of their bishop. The community has evolved over time, maintaining its mission to nurture faith and serve the surrounding areas. The parish website highlights its historical significance and invites visitors to explore its legacy through photos and stories of past events and spiritual forefathers.
Ministries
The parish offers a variety of ways to be part of the communal family in addition to the celebration of the sacraments. Faith formation is a vital element of the Catholic life as we grow in knowledge and understanding of our faith in Jesus Christ and the Church he gave us. A deeper understanding can lead to a more intimate relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and through the Trinity to the Church and our family, friends, neighbors, parish, and community. Such faith formation is not just for children, but for all of us as we grow as Catholics.
- Liturgical ministries (lector, altar server, Eucharistic minister)
- Social justice ministries (visiting the homebound, food pantry volunteering)
- Youth ministry
- Men's and women's groups
- Annual parish bazaar
Sacraments
The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. While we believe that human life is infused with the sacramental goodness of God, the Catholic Church has defined seven sacraments - instituted by and through the life of Jesus Christ. It is through the experience of the sacramental ritual that we are infused with God’s grace. The Sacraments nourish and strengthen us as they express and build up our faith.
- Baptism
- Eucharist
- Confirmation
- Penance (Reconciliation)
- Anointing of the Sick
- Marriage
- Holy Orders
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Thomas A. Shea
Pastor referenced in 'Council 11178' section; no specific years listed.
- Rev. Anthony Amponsah-Poku
Welcomed as pastor in a recent announcement; no tenure dates provided.