Stepfather Patrick scarcely had time to step into the chapel confessional for his morning duties when someone immediately entered the confession stall on the other side. The tall, dark, serious priest cleared his throat and straightened his posture. Stepfather Patrick was ready. More than ready this glorious morning: the sumptuous priest was keen to begin.

Things have been so confusing since I got here. Yesterday, it got worse… or better… I don’t know. I knew I liked boys. That’s why I asked my parents if I could go to seminary school. I mean, I didn’t tell them that was why. My stepfather patted me on the shoulder and said, “If that’s what you think you should do,” with a very pleased smile on his face. Almost like he suspected the alternative was a flaming faggot stepson running around the community. My mother burst into tears. Every devout Catholic mother with three sons hopes one will become a priest.

Dex still couldn’t believe how much he had underestimated St. Peter’s Catholic School for Young Men. It both shocked and surprised him just how much gay activity occurred on the down low. He understood that the Church had its fair share of secrets, but he never expected to engage in so much homosexual bonding within its walls.