A Father’s Sacrifice: The Story of Tom Vander Woude (morning session)

About this event

We invite you to the CIC on the morning of November 6th at 10:00 AM EDT to hear the heroic story of a man from the Diocese of Arlington, Tom Vander Woude, who gave his life to save his son Joseph. Tom’s son, who has Down Syndrome, had fallen into a septic tank. And without hesitation, Tom jumped in after him, lifting up his son so he could breathe.

In 2017, Pope Francis approved a new path to sainthood: the offering of one’s life in an act of heroic charity, and the Diocese of Arlington is investigating the potential Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of Tom Vander Woude.

This selfless act of fatherly love exemplifies Christ’s teaching that “No greater love has a man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13).

The morning-time talk is for those with alternative work schedules from the “normal” 9-to-5. The session will include a coffee social, and will be held in-person only .

11/6/2026 Schedule:

• 9:30 AM: Doors open for check-in and coffee social

• 10:00-11:00 AM: “A Father’s Sacrifice” presentation by Chris Vander Woude

**If you would like to view the program through a livestream, Chris Vander Woude will return to the CIC on the evening of Wednesday, November 18th to present his father’s story, which will be offered both in-person and via a livestream. View the 11/18 program here .