History of St. Paul’s

In 1987, a permanent home for St. Paul’s Parish was founded when the Diocese of Austin purchased 11.7 acres of land in south Austin. June 1989, Bishop John McCarthy appointed Father Paul McCallum as the first Pastor of St. Paul’s Catholic Church. St. Paul’s officially began when Father Paul celebrated Mass at William’s Elementary School (nick-named "St. Williams") on September 3, 1989. The first Mass was attended by Bishop McCarthy and approximately 225 prospective members of the new parish. We have now grown to over 1500 registered families.

The first fund raising event for our permanent home was a Fall Carnival in October 1989. The following month Father Paul established a building committee, which consisted of parish members. The groundwork was then started for our permanent home. Late December in 1989 St. Paul’s received possession of the residence on our property. In January 1^st, 1990 this residence served as home to Father Paul as well as the rectory, a place for daily Mass, and meeting space. The small chapel (we now call SPARK) now houses the Youth Group, was completed during the summer of 1990. Construction of our permanent home started in July of 1993 and St. Paul’s Center was completed in March of 1994. Bishop McCarthy dedicated St. Paul’s new building April 10, 1994. Over the next few years more land was acquired for future expansion of the Center.

One of the two bridges, located on the east side parking lot, was donated and built by a parishioner. The second bridge was built by the Eagle Scouts who also built our "outdoor" chapel which is located on the east side of the main building. It offers a beautiful natural setting for services especially the Easter Mass at sunrise. Our Lady of Guadalupe garden, complete with a beautiful statue of Our Lady, was completed in August of 2003. This garden is located across from the front entrance of the main building. Bricks commemorating loved ones & families are inlaid upon its path. The Right to Life memorial was built by the Knights of Columbus and is located next to Our Lady of Guadalupe garden.

The "sports" court, located between the youth building and the rectory, was built in the first quarter of 2005. Father Paul played in the very first basketball game on the court. It continues to be enjoyed by our parish youth. Our playground, located at the back of the main building, offers a fun place for our parish little ones to play. The main playscape was built by fathers of children in our Mornings with Jesus preschool program. October 2004 this playscape was dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Gloria Stuart (a parishioner, loving mother & wife, and beloved Mornings with Jesus teacher). Also to the 2003/04 families of the Mornings With Jesus program, who through the giving of not only their treasure but their wonderful gifts of Time and Talent, this long awaited project was lovingly completed.