First confession

A few evenings ago, Walt's parish priest was being honoured at a special dinner. After 25 years in the parish, and nearly 50 since his ordination, he was retiring at last.

A leading local politician and member of the parish was chosen to make the presentation and to give a little after-dinner speech. However, he was delayed, so the priest decided to say his own few words while we waited.

Said the father, "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 infected his sister with an STD.

"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 the speech he had prepared.

"I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived," he said. "In fact, I had the honour of being the first person to go to him for confession!"