A priest, a rabbi, and a Pentecostal preacher all served as chaplains to the students of Northern Michigan University in Marquette. They often met two or three times a week for coffee, sharing stories and discussing their spiritual journeys. During one of these meetings, a light-hearted debate arose about the true challenges of preaching. Someone quipped that delivering sermons to people wasn't particularly difficult; the real test would be preaching to a bear. Intrigued by the idea, they decided to embark on a seven-day adventure into the wilderness, each determined to find a bear and attempt to preach to it.

Seven days have passed, and the three are back together, eager to recount their experiences and share what they learned from this unusual endeavour.

Father O'Flannery, visibly battered with his arm in a sling, standing on crutches, and covered in bandages, speaks first. In his rich Irish brogue, he begins, "Wellll, I ventured into the woods to seek out a bear. When I finally encountered one, I started reading from the Baltimore Catechism. Alas, the bear was not in the least interested and began to thrash me about. In a moment of desperation, I swiftly reached for my holy water. THE SAINTS BE PRAISED, the bear became as gentle as a lamb. The bishop is planning to visit next week to perform its first communion and confirmation." His tale, though harrowing, ends on a note of triumph and divine intervention.

Reverend Billy Bob is next to speak. He sits in a wheelchair, with an arm and both legs encased in casts, and an IV drip attached to his arm. With his characteristic fire and brimstone style, he declares, "WELL brothers...you KNOW that we don't sprinkle...WE DUNK! I set out and FOUND me a bear. I began to read to him from God's HOOOOLY WORD! But the bear was uninterested, I SAY NO! He wanted NOTHING to do with me. So, I took HOOOLD of him, and we began to wrestle. We tumbled down one hill, climbed up another, and descended yet another until we reached a creek. There, I quickly DUNKED him, baptizing his hairy soul. And, just as you said, he was gentle as a lamb. We spent the remainder of the week in fellowship, feasting on God's HOOOOLY word." His story, filled with dramatic flair, leaves the listeners in awe of his determination and resolve.

Finally, the attention turns to the rabbi, who is lying in a hospital bed, encased in a body cast and suspended in traction, with IVs and monitors surrounding him. With a weary look, he glances up and says, "Oy! You don't know what tough is until you try to circumcise one of those creatures." His words, though simple, evoke a burst of laughter, bringing a light-hearted end to their adventurous tales.