The Catholic Build began in 1998, when the Dioceses of Austin, under the leadership of Bishop John McCarthy, recognized the need for affordable in our city and committed to sponsoring a home with Austin Habitat for Humanity. This was the beginning of what became the longest-running partnership in Austin Habitat for Humanity history. In 1999, the Dioceses of Austin sponsored two homes in southeast Austin. During the first two years, on any given Saturday, the Catholic volunteers were from a single parish. Starting in 2000, volunteers came from across the Dioceses, and that is when the real beauty of the Catholic community began to shine. Catholic sisters and brothers from different parishes working together to help end substandard housing, beginning deep friendships with fellow Catholics across the Dioceses becoming the hands and feet of Christ.

The Catholic volunteers represent parishes from south Austin, Lakeway, Hutto, Round Rock, and Georgetown and even had Catholic volunteers for San Antonio. They have built 29 homes (as of 2025) throughout Austin and even once in Elgin.

In 2018, Bishop McCarthy, the inspiration for the Catholic Build, died. The community of Catholic volunteers changed the name of future builds to Bishop John McCarthy Memorial Build to honor him and his legacy.

We couldn’t build affordable homes and brighter futures without financial support from the community. Please consider giving a gift to help fund the construction of the 2026 Catholic Build home.