Subject: DON'T EVER BE LATE
 

 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. 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 stopped by the police,  had almost
 murdered the officer. He had stolen money from his parents,  embezzled
 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  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 our parish priest  arrived,"  said
 the politician.
 "In fact, I had the honor of  being the first one to go to him in
confession."
 
 Moral: DON'T EVER  BE LATE: