As the area now known as New Tampa began to sprout its roots in the mid-1990's, the parish of Corpus Christi in Temple Terrace established a mission location in a Tampa Palms shopping plaza. By 1996 the number of Catholics attending the weekend mass at the storefront was growing rapidly and the people were asking for their own parish. In response, in August of 1996 Bishop Robert Lynch established the parish of St. Mark the Evangelist and Rev. Austin M. Mullen was installed as pastor in December of that year. Excited parishioners felt blessed to know their future church home would be located on a scenic 27-acre parcel of land on busy Cross Creek Boulevard, which would over time become the heart of New Tampa.

From the earliest days without a home to call their own, St Mark parishioners recognized that being a parish is about much "more than a building." With great exuberance and unflagging energy they found ways to surmount the challenges posed by not having meeting or worship space of their own. In the first years Masses were held and classes given at rented Presbyterian and Episcopalian churches and later at a local high school. A tiny storefront office held a cramped staff. Ministries were formed and parish structures established to help guide parishioners in decision-making associated with fundraising and building. Education teams were developed and catechists trained so children and families could develop their faith and receive sacraments. The spiritual foundation of the parish family grew strong and vibrant as hundreds of parishioners joined Small Christian Communities to participate in Renew 2000, a 5-season, all-parish program begun in 1998.

Led by Fr. Mullen, parishioners decided to build a Family Life Center for the purposes of worship, administration, education, and ministry needs. Plans were sketched on the 27-acre plot for a future Sanctuary and daily chapel, all linked by a piazza. On December 22, 2000, Bishop Robert Lynch led St. Mark parishioners into their new home and presided over the Mass of Dedication. He reminded parishioners of what they already knew: as a parish community we are "more than a building."