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

Friday, November 6, 2026

10:00 am EST - 11:00 am EST

Catholic Information Center

1501 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20005 United States

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Description

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.

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.

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About the Speaker

Chris Vander Woude is the fifth of Tom and Mary Ellen’s seven sons, and he now carries the story of his father’s life and death across the country, as well as sharing the process towards canonization that began this year with the assignment of a postulator in Rome.

Chris is devoting the next two years of his life to spread awareness about his father’s story through his work for the Tom Vander Woude Guild.

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