By Father James Maciejewski

Archbishop Thomas Donnellan announced last week the appointment of Monsignor John F. McDonough as new rector Christ the King Cathedral. Until now Monsignor McDonough, who is 58, has been pastor of Holy Spirit parish. His new assignment took effect of Thursday, September 21.

At the cathedral, Monsignor McDonough replaces his good friend, Monsignor John Stapleton, who died suddenly on August 26.

He expressed his feelings bout the transfer in these words: “On leaving Holy Spirit parish I can’t praise enough the faith, generosity and goodness of its members. The people of Holy Spirit have always been a source of inspiration not only to me but to all the priests who have been associated with the parish.

“I leave with a feeling of deep gratitude for all they have done for me over the past six years.

“I look forward to my new assignment at the cathedral. I have been associated with the cathedral as assistant and pastor for almost 12 years. So it is almost like going home.”

Monsignor McDonough, a native of Boston, was assistant pastor at the cathedral from 1947 until 1956. He then served as pastor at parishes in LaGrange and Rome before returning to the cathedral as rector from 1964 until 1966.

A new pastor for Holy Spirit parish has not yet been appointed.