The Confessional

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have behaved in a shameful way with a girl."

The priest asks, "Is that you, little Joey Matarzo?"

"Yes, Father, it is."

"And who was the girl you were with?"

"I can’t tell you, Father. I don’t want to ruin her reputation."

“Well, Joey, I’m sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Minetti?"

"I cannot say."

"Was it Teresa Santos?"

"I’ll never tell, Father."

"Was it Nina Denson?"

"I’m sorry, but I cannot name her."

"Was it Cathy Phillips?"

"My lips are sealed, Father."

"Was it Rosa DiAngelo, then?"

"Please, Father, I cannot tell you."

The priest sighs in frustration.

"You’re very tight-lipped, and I admire that, but you’ve sinned and have to atone..."

Minutes later, Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Phil slides over and whispers,

"What did you get?"

"Three Hail Marys and five good leads."


Moral of the Story: When seeking information, be careful not to clumsily give away more than you receive.