The new associate pastor

The new associate pastor, nervous about hearing confessions asks an older priest to listen in.

Several penitents later, his mentor offers a few suggestions.

“Cross your arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand,” he says.

“Try saying things like, ‘I see, yes, go on. I understand. How did you feel about that?”

The new priest tries out the words and gestures.

The old priest says, “Good, now, don’t you think that’s a little better than slapping your knew and saying, ‘No way! You did what?’”