Our story, our programs, our people
Our Mission
The mission of the John Paul II Project is to help young people become builders of a civilization of love and truth, through programs that enable them to live in the example of Saint John Paul II. In collaboration with the Archdiocese of Kraków, we have created uniquely Catholic abroad programs in Kraków, Poland that shape the whole person, while immersing students in the life of John Paul II. Through classes, community life, prayer, pilgrimages, extra-curricular activities, and embracing responsibility, participants receive a holistic formation experience that enriches them in their intellectual, professional, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions.
Our Founding
The John Paul II Project was founded in 2016 by Joseph and Corinne MacDonald, as a response to a call to dedicate their lives to help young people become saints and deeply impact the culture for the good. Modeled after the ministry of John Paul II, the JP2 Project was born from a belief in the youth’s capacity for greatness and the founders’ experiences with how that greatness is drawn forth, especially in abroad settings. The JP2 Project became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Florida. From the start, they have relied on raising support to operate, and strive to provide more scholarships for those who otherwise would be unable to participate in these programs that have proven to be transformative.
Our Programs
Study Abroad
The John Paul II Project is a third-party provider for university study abroad programs that run according to the American academic schedule. We offer students a complete package, from tuition to room and board, to insurance and books, to educational tours, pilgrimages, and outdoor activities. While abroad, students are enrolled at the Pontifical University of John Paul II, where they take classes for credit in English. University students from any institution are welcome to participate in our programs. We have created a partnership for diverse colleges and faith-based centers wishing to avail their students of this opportunity.
High School Pilgrimage
This 10-day experience takes high school men or women, ages 16-18, through John Paul II’s footsteps with tours and activities, and into his theological and philosophical thought on the dignity and calling of men and women respectively, with dynamic seminar sessions. This is a powerful unplugged pilgrimage experience that is designed to shape the whole person, through community, sports, prayer, a chaplain's accompaniment, young adult mentors, challenge in virtue, adventure, immersion in Polish culture and heritage, and an encounter with the saints. Each year alternates between a men and women's pilgrimage.
Young Families Pilgrimage
This unique pilgrimage designed especially for families with young children is a journey through the heart and tracks of Karol Wojtyla. Through powerful tours, seminar discussions, prayer, fellowship, families can discover the model of our patron’s “Środowisko”, an environment of family life to live out the call to holiness and transmit the Gospel to the world. The pace, schedule, and logistics are planned with young children in mind, for a peaceful and enjoyable journey abroad. No family is too chaotic to participate: all real families are welcome!
Young Adults TOB Pilgrimage
The program immerses young adults in the example and teachings of St. John Paul the Great through a hybrid outdoor retreat and city pilgrimage adventure. Young adults are educated on John Paul II’s theological and philosophical thought on Theology of the Body: a scripture-based vision of the human’s person’s dignity, sexuality, and vocation to love, with dynamic seminar sessions and a chaplain’s accompaniment. Daily prayer, Mass, discussions and opportunities for fellowship are all part of an experience conducive to an encounter with Christ and genuine human flourishing. Each day is packed with on-site excursions to beautiful sites significant to Polish heritage, and John Paul II ministry to young people.
Future Programs
We look forward to launching a pilgrimage to Krakow for mission partners, various formation opportunities stateside, such as retreats, lecture series, and study groups, and special gala events.
In the future we also hope to offer a formation program for seminarians preparing for the priesthood. It follows the pattern of the summer study abroad experience, but also incorporates intensive priestly formation by experienced diocesan and religious priests living the legacy of St. John Paul the Great.
In the future we also hope to offer a formation program for seminarians preparing for the priesthood. It follows the pattern of the summer study abroad experience, but also incorporates intensive priestly formation by experienced diocesan and religious priests living the legacy of St. John Paul the Great.
Our Team
In addition to our staff highlighted here, are our board members, student workers, priests, lay volunteers, and prayer warriors who have a vital role in making the mission happen! Want to join? Email us!
Mary Kathryn Allen Director of Outreach about mary Kathryn
Anyone who knows Mary Kathryn identifies her with her overflowing joy and authentic love for people. Mary Kathryn’s history with the JP2 Project started before it existed. In 2013, she studied abroad in Rome, Italy, and participated in a pilgrimage to Poland under the leadership of her residence director, now co-founder of the JP2 Project. Mary Kathryn graduated from Ave Maria University Magna Cum Laude and received the St. John Paul II Award, which recognizes a student who contributes significantly to the social and spiritual culture on campus. For the past two years, Mary Kathryn has been working as the Project Manager at the Pope Leo XIII Institute, where she’s successfully prepared and coordinated all logistics related to nationwide and international events and conferences, managed the Institute’s finances and website, and assisted with meetings for the Board of Directors. While carrying out this full-time job, she found time to help the JP2 Project with advising young people interested in participating in the programs and generating more interest. With her passions for working with people, the teachings and witness of her favorite saint, John Paul the Great, and her natural affinity to this Project’s mission, Mary Kathryn felt drawn to go all-in with the JP2 Project. We’re overjoyed to bring on Mary Kathryn in 2020 as our full-time Director of Outreach, in which she handles participant advising, collaborates with partner institutions, and assist in promotional and formation events stateside. Mary Kathryn lives with her husband Curtis in the greater Chicago area, where they both enjoy coaching (and playing) tennis in their free time. Email Mary Kathryn |
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Corinne MacDonald Co-founder Executive Director About Corinne
Corinne designs the programs of the JP2 Project, manages relationships with partner institutions, and spearheads the communications efforts. She has 10+ years of experience in program building and apostolate with youth and young adults through her work in university campus outreach, youth ministry, and years of working study abroad in Rome. What brought her to Rome was the pursuit of a postgraduate degree in Institutional Communications from The Pontifical University of Santa Croce. While leading her study abroad undergraduate students, Corinne not only carried out her own studies, but also launched the English edition of the online think-tank, Family and Media. She also contributed to the launching of the now international academic journal, Church, Communications, and Culture. She cherishes the opportunities she embraced to lead 30+ mission trips, camps, and pilgrimages, including various World Youth Days around the globe, and most recently, accompanying our JP2 program participants in Krakow for 2 years. Corinne loves that she can continue to carry out this beautiful mission of the JP2 Project, while having the privilege of raising her beloved, energetic daughters, ages 2 and 4. Email Corinne |
Joseph MacDonald Co-founder director of operations & development about joe
Joe and his wife Corinne founded the John Paul II Project in 2016, as a response to a call to dedicate their lives to help young people become saints and deeply impact the culture for the good. After living in Poland to set up and launch the first programs in Krakow, Joe is now dedicated to launching our development program, relationships with our mission partners, and managing various operations in the Project, with a strong focus on our internal systems, financial and legal dimensions. Joe also travels to universities or other institutions for speaking engagements related to the JP2 Project, which often involve our program alumni. He continues to shape the JP Project style and approach to the holistic formation through key decision making regarding program development and staff and volunteer training. Prior to co-founding the JP2 Project, Joe served as Residence Director for men’s dormitories at the university and high school level, and has engaged in rugby coaching, youth ministry, and leadership positions for international pilgrimages and missions through Spain, France, Italy, Poland, and Uganda. After years of owning and operating a small cabinet-installation business in Florida, the JP2 Project has been a great fulfillment. Joe still loves to roll up his sleeves when he gets the chance and take his three girls on adventures in the Michigan outdoors. Email Joe |