Parishioners and the faith community in St. Mark’s parish were shocked this past week by the unexpected death of Rev. Corey Bassett-Tirrell, who died in his sleep at the rectory on Roseland Street on Halloween night.

Father Tirrell, 44, had come to the parish over the summer to assist its pastor, Rev. Marcos Enrique, as St. Mark’s was ending its collaboration with St. Ambrose parish in Fields Corner.

News of his death was shared with the parish community at Masses over the weekend. “Father Corey lived at St. Mark for the past three months and endeared himself to our entire parish community, especially our young people and our children,” read a statement on the parish website.

Rev. Bassett was raised in East Boston and dedicated his adult life to the Catholic Church, joining the priesthood later than his generational peers after working at the Rapino Funeral Home and involving himself in church music and choir while doing so. He noted to family and friends the influence of the writings of the late Joseph Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, on his priestly vocation.

His funeral Mass was scheduled for this Thursday (Nov.7) at 11 a.m. at St. Adelaide’s Church in West Peabody.