Reverend William J. Ahlbach

Still missing Father Bill and his powerful, yet simple sermons assuring us that God is always with us and his devotion our "Our Lady" and the rosary. Rest in Peace!

Both our spiritual adviser and daily help for anyone in need, Fr. Ahlbach's care for the poor is continued every day by the members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Matthew's and St. Bartholomew's. An average of 100 families each month are visited at their homes to share friendship and help with food, rent and utility assistance, clothing, mattress sets, and furniture. His inspiration will last a lifetime and forever for me and countless others! Thank you for your answered...

I grew up going to St. Matthew's Church. Father Ahlbach is a part of those cherished memories. Even as a child, I felt that he was warm, friendly, kind, and full of life. As a teenager, I remember that one of his sermons inspired me to write a poem which I titled "Love is like a window". He moved me with his sermons. I remember he had a big heart and a big voice, too. I remember he liked football and was a Niners fan, and I used to think that he was missing the game during Sunday mass. I...

When Fr Albach was a new priest at St Athanasius I studied with him and eventually converted to Catholism because of his honest, complete understanding of the faith.
When I came to the door of the church that advantageous day, he made me promise that if I didn't find what I was searching for in catholicism, I would continue my search until I found a tradition that 'fit'.
I will never forget his kindness!
He married my husband and I almost 45 years ago, so he holds another special...

My condolences in the passing of Fr. Ahlbach. I had known him for 50 years, since he was a new priest at St. Athanasis in Mountain View. He was such a wonderful, caring person to all of the single, young people, like myself, who came to California to work and were away from home. He gave us direction and showed us a direction which gave our lives meaning. We all loved him and thought he was truly a man of God. Thank you Fr. Ahlbach - without you our lives would have been pretty empty. ...

My condolences to all the Ahlbach family on the passing of such a marvelous, saintly priest. I first knew Fr. Ahlbach when he was ordained and new at St. Athanais in Mountain View. I was a young, single person, whom he helped find direction and a Christian way of life. He was truly a man of God and helped so many of us find a way to serve God and our community. We all loved him so much and felt he was the epitome of what a man of God would be. That was 50 years ago and I still remember...

A truly wonderful person. I loved his sermons! You could tell they were heart felt and his own, he will be missed, God bless him, may he rest in peace.

We will have you all in our prayers. Father Ahlbach was so wonderful and caring with our kids during our visit to St. Matthews this past Christmas. He always had a cheerful comment and a loving detail with each of us. We are sure he is as happy as he can be in the presence of Our Lord and our Blessed Mother, and that he awaits for all of us to get there too! You are in our prayers.
Fondly,

The Mossis

"Welcome, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master's joy". Matthew 25:21
Father Ahlbach was one of a kind. I always loved hearing his condensed and "on point" homilies when we were able to attend early Mass on weekday mornings. We always left Mass feeling spiritually nourished. Father Ahlbach was blessed with such an incredible gift to minister to his flock and do it so succinctly! In...