This sign at Trinity Church immediately drew suspicions.

Michael Mulligan, a former Catholic priest, is struggling. He lost his job 15 years ago and he just got out of jail for sodomizing three young boys. He can’t find a job, he’s too young for Social Security and he doesn’t qualify for welfare.

It was with former priests like Mulligan in mind that Pope Benedict’s Public Relations Company, Holier than Thou, established a charity with the catchy title “Pennies for Pervert Priests.”

“Christianity is all about love and compassion,” Holier Than Thou spokesman Richard Wright said yesterday. “And really, when you think about it, all these priests did was penetrate an orifice they found attractive in young boys.”

Pennies for Pervert Priests will take a Salvation Army-type approach to fundraising. Thousands of Catholic volunteers have signed on to station themselves in front of large stores during the Christmas season.

While the Catholic Church sits on billions of dollars in gold, artwork, cash, stocks and other valuables, priests who receive benefits from the new charity will get a small sack of pennies each month. But the Pope is offering hope.

“It’s the least we can do,” Wright indicated yesterday. “Jesus allows all men salvation, even pervert priests.”