Father John McDonough, pastor of Holy Spirit parish, has been elected president of the Senate of Priests, replacing Father Walter J. Donovan, pastor of Blessed Sacrament.

In the election held Friday, Father R. Donald Kiernan, pastor of St. Anthony’s was re-elected vice chairman and Father Michael A. Morris was elected secretary-treasurer. Father Morris, director of the Office of Religious Education, replaces Father Paul Kelley, principal at St. Joseph High School.

“We should take seriously the task of being senators and do what we can for the well being of priests and the archdiocese itself,” Father McDonough commented.

In balloting on a 3-2-1 point basis, Father McDonough edged Father M. Jariath Burke, pastor of St. Joseph’s, Athens, for the presidency. The other nominee was Father Donovan.

Father Burke was elected vice president but called for the nullification of his election when it was pointed out by Father Donovan that several members voted only for Father Burke and not on the 3-2-1 point basis. After the election was nullified, Father Kiernan retained his position. Father Arthur Murray, pastor of Immaculate Conception, and the other nominee, finished second in the second election.

In the secretary-treasurer election, Father Morris defeated Father Arthur in another close race.

Terms of the officers are for one year. Msgr. Michael Manning, pastor of St. Thomas More, presided and Father Eusebius J. Beltran, pastor of Holy Cross, headed the elections committee.