Vincentian Parish a Blessing for Widowed Couple
This article initially appeared in the fall 2024 issue of the Western Province’s quarterly newsletter, The Vincentian.
Thanks to their spouses, Ann Wallace and Bill von Almen both found themselves attending St. Joseph Church in New Orleans shortly after its new pastor, Vincentian Fr. Tom Stehlik, C.M., was appointed in 2011. The 132-year-old iconic house of worship is a multi-cultural Vincentian parish with a vibrant congregation and faith-filled parishioners from across the area.
Ann and Bert Wallace were introduced to St. Joseph’s years earlier when Bert connected with its philanthropic activities through his work in the nearby university health foundation, and the couple sometimes volunteered to assist with charitable projects. Ann joined the parish after Bert’s death in 2014.
Their children grown, Bill and Madeline von Almen began seeking a new parish home in 2012. Madeline attended Mass at St. Joseph and felt an immediate connection. “You need to come check out this church,” she told Bill. He did, “and I was hooked.”
They assert Fr. Tom was a big reason for the growth of the parish’s diverse and active community during his years as pastor (2011-2023). “I can’t imagine anyone meeting him and not immediately connecting with him, Ann says. “Listening to his homilies, you’d feel like he’d been sitting on your shoulder the previous week, somehow knowing what you’ve been going through.”
“Fr. Tom always helps solve whatever issue people present to him,” Bill added. “It’s a very ‘Vincentian’ thing – especially serving those less fortunate.”
Following the deaths of both their spouses, Ann and Bill’s paths crossed in a profound new way. The widowed acquaintances became good friends, and in 2022 Fr. Tom united the couple in Holy Matrimony. “He’s really part of our family,” Ann says. “We are so blessed!”
Grateful for Fr. Tom and committed to the larger Vincentian mission, the couple have also begun making charitable gifts to the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission.
“We want to share with those who are in need, and the Vincentian mission is consistent with our beliefs,” Ann explains. Combining finances helped the couple extend their generosity beyond parish giving. “We support the Province, too, to help other churches and pastors and ministries with their needs,” says Bill.
The couple want to make sure that others can experience the deep relationships they’ve experienced from the shared faith of the Catholic Church. “Faith brings people together in a unique way,” Bill said. “Sharing those bonds beyond our parish community helps us make sure that faith is passed on.”
Dr. William von Almen is a Vincentian lay missioner, nearing retirement as a physician specializing in women’s health. Ann von Almen is retired and serves as RCIA coordinator and a member of the Marian Sodality of the Miraculous Medal at St. Joseph. The couple have six children and 10 grandchildren.
Photo cutline: Ann and Bill von Almen were married in 2022 by Fr. Tom Stehlik, C.M., pastor at the time of St. Joseph Parish in New Orleans.