RETIREMENT DINNER

A priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after
25 years in the parish. A leading local politician and member of the
congregation was chosen to make the presentation and give a little
speech at the dinner. However, he was delayed, so the priest decided
to say his own few words while they waited.
"I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I
heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The
very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a
television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it.
He had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had
an affair with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his
sister. I was appalled. But as the days went on I learned that my
people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish

full of good and loving people."...
Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of
apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the presentation
and
gave his talk. "I'll never forget the first day our parish priest
arrived,"
said the politician. "In fact, I had the honor of being the first
person to go to him for confession."

Moral: Never, Never, Never Be Late!