June 13, 2025

How martial arts students went from mat, to Mass, to receiving sacraments

Isaiah Doss, second from left, and Hannah Carroll smile with Michael Valenti, at left, and Father James Brockmeier after the Easter Vigil Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on April 19, during which Doss and Carroll were welcomed into the full communion of the Church. Both were introduced to the Catholic faith by Valenti, who served as Carroll’s sponsor. Father Brockmeier is rector of SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish. (Submitted photo)

Isaiah Doss, second from left, and Hannah Carroll smile with Michael Valenti, at left, and Father James Brockmeier after the Easter Vigil Mass at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on April 19, during which Doss and Carroll were welcomed into the full communion of the Church. Both were introduced to the Catholic faith by Valenti, who served as Carroll’s sponsor. Father Brockmeier is rector of SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish. (Submitted photo)

By Natalie Hoefer

During the Rite of Election—part of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults—Isaiah Doss made an unusual comment to fellow candidate Hannah Carroll.

“How funny is it?” he said. “The first time we saw each other we were punching each other, and the second time we’re joining the Church.”

No need for concern—the “punching” was done on a mat as part of their martial arts training.

And it’s likely their second meeting would have again been on a mat rather than the Rite of Election, if not for the witness of martial arts instructor and SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral parishioner Michael Valenti.

But God scores again for working in mysterious ways. Carroll and Doss were welcomed into the full communion of the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass on April 19 at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis.

Following are their separate journeys of faith from serving blows to receiving the sacraments:

 

 

 

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