"Father Dowling: I Am Heartily Sorry" by Uncle Mike (fr582@cleveland.Freenet.Edu). I have never watched an entire episode of "Father Dowling." I may be wrong, but I had the impression that it had something to do with a priest and nun working together to solve crimes; but this story has no detective work in it. Since I know so little, I won't try to comment any further than that on how well this story works as a parody.

The story focuses on Father Prestwick, who is hearing confessions. Most of the penitents are old ladies and children, whose "sins" are boring; but then in comes Mrs. Klimaszewski, the woman in her early 30's who wears no bra and whose husband is out of town and who confesses her sins of masturbating and getting it on with the newspaper boy. Since that session has already turned him on, Father feels predisposed to prod a little when Sister Stephanie comes in to confess her sins; and pretty soon Sister Steve has another sin - or several sins, depending on how you count - to confess the next time she drops by the confessional.

I honestly believe that Catholic priests have gotten a bad rap in recent years. I think they are every bit as upright and virtuous, although certainly not as intelligent, as English teachers; and I really don't think they are any more likely to behave unprofessionally than other people who work closely with people. I really doubt that the sort of thing described in this story happens very often. But it sure makes a good story!