By Cheri Perkins Mantz of the Catholic Herald Staff

MILWAUKEE — As Marquette University freshman Remington Tonar prepared to be welcomed into the church last Saturday night at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, his exclamations were a cross between that of theologian and an excited child fully aware of the greatness of the conversion he’s undergone.

Born and raised in a Lutheran household in Racine, Tonar became active in his Lutheran church in middle and high school. At 16, Tonar began looking at religions other than the one he’d always known.

“I came to the point where I listened to what they said and I said, ‘I don’t agree with that. That’s not what I get from Scripture.’ I started doing research and read early Christian readings and I agreed with that more,” he said.

Tonar then researched and attended services at many different kinds of churches including Greek Orthodox, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and different synods of Lutheran, before finally finding Catholicism.

“I stumbled across Catholic theology on the Internet and I agreed with what the church fathers said, and I started to look into that,” Tonar said. “What they teach is what I believe. Catholic Mass is much more spiritually fulfilling for me.

“It’s so rich in tradition, truth and understanding,” he said of Catholicism.

Tonar said that his primary reason for not remaining Lutheran is the apostolic tradition.

“In the Lutheran service, I felt during the blessing and benediction, under what authority is the pastor blessing me and the Eucharist?” he said. “Christ delegated the apostles to raise the dead and things like that, and it occurred to me that there’s always been delegated duties. Lutheranism is devoid of that.”

Tonar, 18, said his family is very supportive of him. His father was raised Catholic.

“My mom knows I don’t make decisions quickly and I like to be informed, so she knows I’m doing the right thing for me,” he said. “My father agrees. It’s been positive on my family. It’s increased the spirituality in my family.”

Considering he had only attended public schools, Tonar felt very strongly about his desire to attend Marquette.

“When I started becoming more spiritual, I knew I wanted to go to a private school because they could deal more with spirituality,” he explained. “There’s that prestige about Marquette. I love it here; it’s been very good to me. Plus it’s close to home so if you want Mom to do your laundry, she can.”

When asked what he is most looking forward to in his conversion, Tonar emphatically replies, “Eucharist, absolutely.”

“In Protestant services, the pinnacle is the homily,” he continued. “In Catholic services, the pinnacle is receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Until I’m confirmed at the Easter Vigil, I can’t get the Eucharist. It’s also the thing that I’m most separated from, that visible union with the church.”

Not only is Tonar majoring in theology, he is considering entering the priesthood.

“I’m involved with a few discernment groups at the seminary,” he said. “I’m strongly considering the seminary after college. I had previously thought of getting into Protestant ministry. Obviously, there’s more commitment and sacrifices in the priesthood. But if we can’t make those sacrifices, what kind of Catholics are we?”

Tonar credits Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan as an inspiration in his decision to join the church.

“He’s really the reason why I went through the RCIA program at the Cathedral of St. John. He radiates Christian joy,” he said. “He loves to do what he does. I admire that. He’s very knowledgeable and informed.”

Tonar admits that he is not a very patient person, but says the RCIA program, which he began last fall, has taught him a lot about patience.

“Looking back, I wished I had started this sooner,” he said. “At the same time, it was a monumental decision, but it does take time.

“This is something I’ve had to learn patience from,” he said, referring to his conversion. “Normally, I’ll try to bypass a wait as much as possible. It seems like this process has taken a lot longer than it actually has. Especially because I’m so excited for the Easter Vigil.”

The more he talks about entering the seminary, the more animated he becomes. Marquette has given him the opportunity to discern with the priests on campus.

“They call it a ‘calling,’ and you don’t understand that until you’re called,” he explained. “It’s a deep, intimate, soul searching between you and God. For me, there have been numerous events in my life that I see as signs from God. It’s a thought that’s always in my heart and it doesn’t go away. To me, that’s a testimony to how strong God’s calling is. I know if I choose not to, I’d spend my whole life wondering ‘what if?’”

As he awaited the Easter Vigil, which he refers to as “coming home,” Tonar was at peace with his decision.

“I know in my head and in my heart that this is the right decision,” he said.

Be An Informed Catholic!


For the rest of this week's news, visit the Catholic Herald web site.

Click here to subscribe to the Catholic Herald.