A priest in a small rural town was very fond of his 10 chickens and 1
handsome cock he kept in a hen house behind the rectory.

One Saturday night the priest discovered that the rooster was missing.

At the same time the priest heard rumors of cockfights being held in town.

Shocked and dismayed, he decided to say something during Mass.

During Mass he asked the congregation, "Who among you will confess to sporting a handsome cock?"

All the men stood up.

"No, no," he said. "That's not what I mean. Who among you will confess to having seen a handsome cock?"

All the women stood up.

"Oh, no," he said. "That's not what I mean either. Who among you will confess to having seen a cock that doesn't belong to you?

" Half the women stood up.

"Oh Lord," he said. "Perhaps I should rephrase the question: Has anybody seen my cock?"

All the choirboys stood up.