By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
Esther Tokars of St. John Vianney Church in Kailua lives by an important precept — “the Lord needs workers in his vineyard” — and a major part of her life is serving the parish.
Tokars’ understanding of serving the Lord goes back to when she was growing up at St. Kevin Church in San Francisco — her mentor, Sister Suzanne Hockel, first encouraged her to get involved at age 14. Tokars’ dad was also a big influence.
Esther’s husband, Jerry, is a deacon, and she often helps with baptism preparation classes and wedding rehearsals when he is asked to assist with weddings.
Esther keeps busy with other ministries, too — she serves as a sacristan, lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion.
The Tokarses have been St. John Vianney parishioners for many years. Esther’s mother, Cora Panis, still sings in the choir at age 98.
Esther acknowledged that ministries can sometimes be challenging and keep her busy, but, like her mother, she remains committed.
“You don’t quit because of that,” Esther said. “It’s because I love serving the Lord. I do it for the Lord and for the people of God as well.”
“I love that people here are very friendly,” she added. “To me, it’s a loving parish.”
Esther worked for many years at St. John Vianney — first as a religious education coordinator and later as secretary. She retired in 2025 and now spends her time caring for her mother. Esther also has served on the board of Women in Need Hawaii for over 20 years.
The Tokarses have three children and three grandchildren. Their daughter and two grandchildren live in Belgium, and Deacon Jerry recently paid a visit — being so far from their St. John Vianney ohana, they have experienced some homesickness.
While traveling, Esther and Deacon Jerry appreciate the universality of the Catholic Church.
“Even when Mass is in another language, I know where we are in the Mass,” Esther said. “Even though it’s different, you just feel great being there. As they say, ‘Heaven comes down when Mass starts.’”
Sister Hockel remained a mentor to Esther throughout much of her life and encouraged many young people to grow in their faith through ministry involvement and seminars. She passed away a few years ago.
As Sister Hockel did for her, Esther hopes to inspire and encourage others to become involved in parish life.
“The Lord needs workers in his vineyard,” she said. “We need to be workers in God’s vineyard.”
Above: Esther, left, and Deacon Jerry Tokars