[Dave Mc]

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 for the tardy politician to arrive.

"I got my first impression of the parish from the first
confession I heard here," said the priest. I thought I had surely been assigned to a most terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when stopped by the police, had almost murdered the officer. He had also stolen money from his aged and sickly parents, embezzled large sums of money
from his place of business, 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 knew 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 give his talk. "I'll never forget the first day Father O'Flaherty arrived," said the politician. "....In fact, I had the honor
of being the first one to go to him in confession."