By Catholic Stewardship Consultants
www.CatholicSteward.com
Marcial Tumacder admits there have been times when he has taken on too many ministries at St. John the Baptist Church in Kalihi. Yet he is continually surprised by how the Lord seems to multiply his time as he serves others.
Sharing his time, talent and treasure has brought Tumacder great joy, and he plans to continue serving for as long as he is able.
Tumacder joined the parish in the early 1990s. His approach to parish life is simple — he gets involved where he feels called.
“It feels like the more I do and serve others, especially the community, I seem to get more positive energy,” he said.
Having recently concluded his five-year term as chair of the parish Pastoral Council, Tumacder decided to remain as a council member for another three years. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and a former Grand Knight; for about two years, he’s overseen four Knights councils. He also serves on the building and maintenance committee.
“When you do things for others, the community and the parish overall, you receive that energy,” he said.
Tumacder also serves as an usher and extraordinary minister of holy Communion, helps with stewardship and periodically serves as a reader.
“The more involved I become, the more time I seem to find to serve our parish and community,” he said.
His two daughters attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School, and he always helped when asked. Tumacder also helps with projects around the grounds and puts out a monthly schedule for people to serve. It’s important to him that the grounds stay beautiful and welcoming for all.
He also served on the diocesan Pastoral Council for three years.
“That was awesome because I was able to look at the diocese from a higher level and learn more,” he said. “I enjoy doing that kind of work because it just keeps me busy and keeps me younger at heart.”
Tumacder also keeps himself busy caring for his mother — she enjoys going to the market on Saturdays. He will be retiring from full-time work for the federal government in a few years, having retired from the U.S. Army Reserve last year. In addition, he is the post commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and is active in veterans’ advocacy, providing support for veterans.
“It’s a lot of fun, especially when you have your other brothers and comrades next to you or working side by side,” Tumacder said. “The camaraderie, the fellowship and the team — it’s just beautiful and has provided lifelong friendships. I never really experienced anything like that outside of the military.”
He appreciates those he has known for up to 40 years through the military. They are there for him when he calls.
“You can call someone and say, ‘Hey, can you come out and give me a hand?’” he said. “They will come out and ask, ‘What do you need?’ You can’t get that in any other place.”
Tumacder also loves the family atmosphere at St. John the Baptist.
“It’s a very family-oriented community,” he said. “The families are very humble. They bring their children, and everyone comes together as one big ohana. I believe the parish’s different cultures and island communities are what make it special.”
But there’s always room for improvement. Tumacder would love to see more people get involved in parish life.
“It’s beautiful to be involved in a community that serves others and keeps serving,” he said.