Hillsborough: A closer look: One Hillsborough church

LEADERSHIP: Ordained in 1965, the Rev. Austin Mullen graduated from All Hallows College, a missionary seminary that prepares priests for English-speaking missions. He also studied at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He then was appointed to the Diocese of St. Augustine, where he taught high school and ministered to San Jose Catholic Church. Later, he became chaplain at the University of South Florida and served as pastor to St. Paul's Church in Carrollwood. He came to St. Mark's in 1996.

SERVICES: Saturday vigil: 5 p.m. Sunday morning Mass at 7:30, 9:00 and 10:30. Contemporary Family Mass at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month. Weekday Mass: 8:30 a.m. weekdays. Spanish Mass: noon every Sunday.

HISTORY: The parish was formed to fill a void in the rapidly growing New Tampa area. Mullen was appointed to lead the congregation, and the first Mass was Aug. 31, 1996. The assembly grew to more than a thousand families in the past five years. The congregation broke ground on the current parish hall in 1999.

MEMBERSHIP: At least 900 members attend the Sunday Mass, including a large number of youth and Latinos.

RECENT SERMON TOPIC OR THEME: "We, in the tradition of St. Mark, wish to proclaim the good news to all people that they belong to God's family by ourselves creating a welcoming environment centered on Christ."

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