Brian Rush, 28, did not like the discipline of the seminary but he loved the perks of a priest.

Rush, who quit the seminary after a month in 2006, dressed in black, wore a cross and a white strip of cardboard on his neck and went shopping at a local grocery store in Pittston.

When he was at the cash register of Gerritys Supermarket, he simply charged everything to the St. Rocco's Roman Catholic Church.

Clerks at the West Pittston store, who refused to appear disrespectful, accommodated him.

But they changed their minds when they saw his bag contained non-essentials like cigarettes and even energy drinks.

They alerted the police, who arrested Rush for attempting to steal $98 worth of groceries. He was found to have also recently carted away merchandise totaling $1,800 without paying for them.

Police officer Joe Campbell says the phony priest "played the part" and it was understandable for store clerks to oblige.

However, St. Rocco's officials say he is not authorized to use the church's charge account.