The Catholic confessional as a "little black book"

[vienna1964]

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose woman"

The priest asks, "Is that you, little Seamus O'Shaughnessy?"

"Yes, Father, it is."

And, who was the woman you were with?"

"Sure and I can't be tellin' you, Father. I don't want to be ruining her

reputation."

"Well, Seamus, I'll be finding out sooner or later, to be sure... so you may as well

tell me now. Was it Brenda O'Malley?"

"I cannot say"

"Was it Patricia Kelly?"

"I'll never tell."

"Was it Mary Shannon?"

"I'm sorry, but I'll not name her."

"Was it Catriona Morgan?"

"My lips are sealed."

"Was it Fiona McDonald, then?"

"Please, Father, I cannot tell you."

The priest sighs in frustration. "You're a steadfast lad, Tommy Shaughnessy, that you are. But you've sinned, and you must atone. You cannot attend church for three months. Be off with you now."

Tommy walks back to his pew.

[color:"red"] His brother Sean slides over and whispers "What'd you get?"

"Three month's vacation and five good leads!"[/color]