He received his early education in the Catholic school in Clarksburg. He attended high school and college seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, graduation from St. Charles Seminary in 1947 and from St. Mary's Seminary with a B.A. in Philosophy in 1949. From 1949 to 1956 he continued his studies in Rome. He was ordained in that city on Febuary 28, 1953 and graduated from the Gregorian University with an S.T.L. (M.A.) in Theology in 1953. In 1956 he earned his Doctorate in Canon Law from the Lateran University
After returning to the United States in July 1956, Father Cann served in various administrative capacities in Wheeling, holding the office of Presiding Judge of the Diocesan Tribunal from 1956 until 1967. During those years he was Vice Chancellor of the Diocese and was active in the National and Midwest Regional Canon Law Societies. Additional activities included the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, Office of Appalachian Ministry, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and others. In 1967 he was one of four religious leaders chosen as "West Virginia Man of the Year" by the Charleston Gazette.
In August of 1967 he was appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception parish in Fairmont, West Virginia, where he served until 1969. From 1969 to 1980 he was pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish in South Charleston, West Virginia. He became pastor of All Saints in 1980.
Father Cann retired in the Summer of 1996, and currently resides in Bridgeport.