The Confessional

[teapeebubbles]

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 presen-
tation and give a little speech at the dinner. 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' wife and
taken illegal drugs. 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 for 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."