"Priest's 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 to 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!