A Young Man at the Confessional

A young man walked into a Catholic church and stepped into the confessional.

“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned,” said the man. “I have been with a young woman out of wedlock.”

“Is that you, Tom O’Casey?” asked the priest.

“Yes,” the young man sighed. “It is.”

“And who was the young woman you were with?” asked the priest.

“I’m sorry, Father, but I cannot tell you that,” answered Tom. “I’m sworn to secrecy.”

“Tom, you might as well let me know,” said the priest. “I’m bound to find out sooner or later. Was it Kathleen Harrison?”

“I’m sorry, Father, but I just can’t say,” answered Tom.

“Was it Mary Delaney?”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Carolyn Grogan, then?”

“Father, please!” said Tom. “I cannot tell you who it was!”

The priest grumbled in frustration. “You’re a steadfast young man, Tom, and I admire that,” he said. “Still, you’ve sinned and must atone….”

Five minutes later, Tom walked back out of the church and met his friend Sean, who had been waiting for him.

“How’d it go?” asked Sean.

“Not nearly as bad as I thought it would,” answered Tom. “I got five ‘Hail Marys,’ four ‘Our Fathers,’ and three great leads!”