Father Bourque said he has witnessed a positive spirit in the parish community despite its loss, in part because many church members -- like everyone else -- have dealt with death throughout their lives.

"The people are great. I've received encouragement from (many parishioners)," he said. "I think they're doing fine. It's like dealing with the death of a family member."

Father Bourque, a seminary professor of the late pastor, described Father McLellan as a longtime friend who had many of the attributes that any faithful priest should have.

"He had very great qualities," he said. "He was easygoing, had a sense of humor, and was a very, very bright guy -- very knowledgeable."

Although he said Father McLellan hadn't been feeling well in recent days, Father Bourque noted that he seemed fine following the 7:30 a.m. Mass on April 26. That was the last time the two men spoke.

Parish business manager Maggie Rubenacker, however, was in the church that day when Father McLellan collapsed.

She said "he was his usual smiling, boisterous self" as he greeted parishioners, but once she was seated, she quickly became aware that something was wrong.

"The music started for the processional hymn but Father did not appear," said Rubenacker. "I heard a shout and ran to the back of the church where he lay on the floor. In front of his parishioners, CPR was performed by medical professionals in the congregation, the paramedics came, and I went with him to the hospital and waited with him until his family could arrive. This was God's gift to me. If I had not been there, I would have always wondered if we could have saved him."

Rubenacker added that Father McLellan left a positive and lasting impact on the parish.

"Father Mike was affable, genuine, outgoing and proud to be a priest," she said. "He also was everybody's big brother, father figure, and friend. He not only advocated for social justice; he walked the walk. During his tenure here at St. John's, we have become a parish which represents many backgrounds and cultures."

Keri McNamara, an office assistant at the parish, also praised the late pastor.

"Father Mike was generous with his time for any and all who needed him," said McNamara. "He was a friend and a teacher of faith."

Lifelong parishioner George Jenkins, 76, who spoke with the pastor about a half-hour before he died, agreed that Father McLellan was a "great guy" who gave wonderful homilies. But also believes the parish is in good hands with the current administrator.

"Father Bourque has been tremendous," said Jenkins. "Everybody loves the man. He had big shoes to fill, but he just slid through, like grease through a tin horn. Are we better off? Of course not. Are we moving along fine? Absolutely.''