Surprise for the Pastor

Holy Angels Council #15782 of the Knights of Columbus recently remodeled Father John Sangabathini’s living quarters.

A multi-week project, the council tore the parsonage down to the subfloor before adding new laminate throughout.

A Knights of Columbus member works in the hallway of Father John Sangabathini’s living quarters during a recent complete parsonage remodel, which included a full bathroom remodel and transformation.

CHILDRESS — Holy Angels Council #15782 of the Knights of Columbus recently surprised Father John Sangabathini, pastor of Holy Angels Catholic Church and parish in Childress, The Sacred Heart Parish in Memphis, and Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Wellington, with a complete parsonage remodel here in Childress.

Following Fr. Sangabathini’s announcement of a month-long trip to his home country, India,

the Knights saw an opportunity to really upgrade long overdue needs to improve the pastor’s living conditions.They decided on the remodel, which included new laminate flooring throughout the parsonage, a full bathroom renovation and donation of replacement furniture.

A multi-week project, it was 95% completed when Fr. John returned to his home away from home.

When Fr. John told us that he was going home to visit his family for a month, we, as a fraternal group, decided the time was right to remodel his living quarters. We went to look at his quarters and noticed that they hadn’t been updated in ages – something we had never realized, and no prior Pastor nor priest had ever expressed any concerns.

So, the group got to work – ripping up old carpet, installing up-to-date amenities and even donating newer living room and office furniture.

“The Knights of Columbus came in, tore it down to the subfloor and fixed where the air conditioner had leaked – those types of things”, the officers of the group said. “We also totally tore the bathroom down to the studs and put in a modern tub and shower.”

Despite a few finishing touches, the remodel is basically complete. In fact, Fr. Sangabathini has already been enjoying the Knights’ work since returning from India on Sept. 8th.

“He was extremely grateful that we did this for him,” The leaders said. “He more than deserved this as our spiritual leader and shepherd of both our parish and our Council brotherhood.”