AUSTIN -- The Catholic Diocese of Austin is investigating after a priest called about 15 children to come forward during evening Mass so he could prick them with an unsterilized pin to demonstrate the pain Jesus suffered during crucifixion.

The Reverend Arthur Michalka said he was trying to teach them that suffering is a part of life.

A spokeswoman for the diocese said no one reacted strongly during the incident at evening Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Corn Hill on Wednesday.

The spokeswoman said that pricking children with a needle is “not appropriate religious training.'' She said that workers at the Williamson County and Cities Health District will interview Mass attendees to find out whether they have any communicable diseases and whether skin was broken.

Officials will then determine whether the children might be at risk for exposure to diseases.

Michalka said plans to apologize in church tomorrow for not sterilizing the pin.