No Greater Love: The Heroic Story of Tom Vander Woude

About this event

In 2017, Pope Francis approved a new path to sainthood: the offering of one’s life in an act of heroic charity. The Diocese of Arlington is investigating the potential Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of Tom Vander Woude—who gave his life to save his youngest son, Joseph, who has Down Syndrome. Joseph had fallen into a septic tank. And without hesitation, Tom jumped in after him, lifting up his son so he could breathe.

And you’re invited to join the CIC on Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30 PM as Chris Vander Woude tells the story of his father’s heroic death.

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).

11/18/2026 Schedule:

• 6:15 pm: Doors open for registrant check-in

• 6:30 pm: Chris Vander Woude presents “No Greater Love” (this portion of the evening will be offered both in-person and virtually via a livestream)

• 7:30 pm: Light happy (half) hour social

• 8:00 pm: Evening Concludes

Please RSVP to attend this program either in-person or virtually through a livestream.

To learn more about Mr. Vander Woude’s story, visit the Tom Vander Woude Guild .