Two years later, a Jesuit priest, Fr John George Morris SJ, came to the parish to start a mission there.

Construction of the church began the next year and on 4 March 1828 by the Vicar Apostolic of the Northern District, Thomas Smith.

[2] In 1852, the Catholic population had increased to such an extent that the church needed to be extended and a school built to cope with larger congregation.

It was decided that the Jesuits would build a new chapel, in South Ossett so the Catholics there would not have to travel to Wakefield for Mass every Sunday.

[3] In 1931, the Jesuits handed over St Austin's parish to the Diocese of Leeds who continue to serve the church.