Canton Church Pastor Dies At Start Of Sunday Mass

CANTON (CBS) -- A Canton church pastor died at the start of Mass on Sunday morning, officials said.

"Please pray for our pastor, Rev. Michael McLellan, who passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning at the start of the 11:30 a.m. Mass," St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Parish said in a statement.

The Boston Archdiocese said McLellan spent much of his priesthood in city parishes before coming to Canton.

(Photo credit St. John The Evangelist)

"He was a people person who developed genuine and lasting friendships among his parishioners," the Very Rev. Bryan K. Parrish said in a statement. "He died on 'Good Shepherd Sunday' and lived out many of the qualities of Christ the Good Shepherd in his priestly ministry, particularly through his generous and caring service as priest and pastor."

Parrish added that McLellan was a strong supporter of the parish school, and helping the less fortunate.