“Confessions of a Champion: Little Joey’s Triumph in the Confessional”

In certain faith traditions, confessing to a priest is customary when one errs. Depending on the severity and frequency of the transgression, penance might involve reciting prescribed prayers or undergoing a form of punishment to atone for the wrongdoing.

This scenario is familiar to many adherents of such religions, yet not all approach it with equal seriousness. Some may even discover a loophole to emerge victorious within a system seemingly designed for their defeat.

That’s precisely why you’ll enjoy the following jest.

A teenage boy goes to church to confess his sins.

“Forgive me, for I have sinned. I have been with a loose girl.”

The priest asks, “Is that you, little Joey Pagano?”

“‘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 Mazzarelli?”

“I’ll never tell.”

“Was it Nina Capelli?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot name her.”

“Was it Cathy Piriano?”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Was it Rosa DiAngelo, then?”

“Please, 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. You cannot be an altar boy now for four months. Now you go and behave yourself.”

Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Franco slides over and whispers, “What’d you get?”

“Four months vacation and five good leads!”