The first mass at the John Paul II Polish Center was celebrated by Fr. Karp on January 16, 1983. Since that time the Center has truly become a center for Polish activities such as: Polish language classes (for beginners and advanced), bingo games, Polish Scouting, speakers and various club meetings. One of the enduring traditions of the Polish Community in Orange County is the continuation of an old Polish custom of celebrating the harvest of the crops (Dozynki) in the autumn months. The Harvest Festival in Yorba Linda begins with a procession wherein the field workers present 'gifts of the earth' to the Lord and Lady of the manor following the successful harvest. After the procession, the Polish folk dance groups, and singing groups perform. Delicious ethnic food is then enjoyed by all.

On October 19, 1986, the John Paul II Polish Center dedicated a plaque in memory of the Polish martyr of faith, Father Jerzy Popieluszko. The Bell Tower was erected as a symbol of unity of this community calling the members to the worship of Almighty God. The bells (three bells) were cast in Poland in 1987. On November 26, 1989, the Feast of Christ the King, the bell tower was dedicated.

With the new addition to the church buildings, almost 1700 families and still growing, the Center has become a lively cultural and spiritual centerpiece of Polish Americans in Southern California.