by Jennifer Harker

Created on: July 25, 2009   Last Updated: July 26, 2009

"Sex is the subject of today's sermon," announced Father Miguel Inez at Sunday Mass. The parishioners of Saint Ignatius Church stirred uneasily.

Edward Gloria, seated in the pews, grinned. Trust Miguel to catch the attention of his sleepy parishioners!

"Whoa," whispered his friend police detective Jonathan Luna, seated to his left. "Catholics talk about sex?"

"Only when cornered, like now."

"We all pretend the act of sex does not exist," the small wiry priest said with a casual thoughtful air. "Well," he grinned impishly, "I have to pretend. But we must consider the younger generations who call Mariposa de la Mar their home. This is California! We are expected to be the progressive leader in the country. Californian Catholics should lead the way by openly discussing the responsibilities that come with the act of sex."

"Father, I must protest!" exclaimed Jonathan Peters, in the middle pew section. "Think of the ladies!"

"A lot of us have had sex," replied a woman. A man barked a nervous laugh.

"I discuss this topic," Miguel patiently replied, "not to shock but out of concern for the children. They watch what we do and say. Our actions influence their actions. And they all have mothers aware of what I speak of so no more nonsense," he added sternly.

Edward's mind wandered along its own path as the sermon continued. The woman seated in the pew directly before him wore a pink bucket hat. A small green bird pinned to the hat looked suspiciously life-like. He gently poked the bird. Oh, yes, that bird once sang in a tree. How sad to reduce it to mere frippery.

"It is akin to the savage wearing the bones of his defeated enemy," he thought, unaware he spoke aloud. "I can't imagine doing that to any of my doves."

The woman glared over her shoulder. He raised his finger to his lips.

"Excellent sermon," he whispered politely.

Jonathan nudged his ribs. Why was he always doing that? It was rude, not to mention painful considering he was a weight lifter. Jonathan dropped his shaggy head into his hands. Edward shrugged. Peculiar fellow.

A figure clad in brown robes drifted along the center aisle, unseen by the other parishioners. Edward smiled and waved to the late Brother Allesandro. A man seated in a pew across the aisle hesitatingly raised his hand. That was friendly of him. Edward waved to him as well.

"Sex is a natural biological function between two people," Miguel said to the squirming teenagers in the pews. "It is also an expression of love you should

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