Tom Vander Woude
Tom Vander Woude (full name Thomas S. Vander Woude), a devout Catholic layman, husband, and father of seven sons from Nokesville (near Gainesville/Manassas), Virginia, in the Diocese of Arlington, is recognized for his heroic act of self-sacrifice on September 8, 2008 (the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary). According to eyewitness accounts and diocesan reports, while winterizing the family farm's pool, his 19-year-old son Joseph (who has Down syndrome) fell into the septic tank. Tom immediately jumped in, held Joseph above the toxic fumes and sewage to allow him to breathe, and instructed a farmhand to pull Joseph out while he pushed from below. Joseph was rescued, but Tom succumbed to the fumes and drowning, dying at age 66.
Evidence from Catholic media (e.g., Catholic News Agency, Arlington Catholic Herald, National Catholic Register) and family testimonies indicates Tom lived an ordinary yet exemplary life of faith: raising seven sons (one of whom, Fr. Tom Vander Woude, became a priest), prioritizing the daily family Rosary, coaching youth sports, welcoming families into his home, supporting Catholic education (e.g., at Seton School), and demonstrating consistent charity and fatherly love. His death is seen as the culmination of a life of virtue, fitting the 2017 motu proprio of Pope Francis (*Maiorem hac dilectionem*) introducing "offer of life" (free and voluntary heroic acceptance of death propter caritatem—out of charity) as a path to sainthood, alongside martyrdom and heroic virtue.
As of January 23, 2026, the Diocese of Arlington is actively investigating the potential opening of his cause for canonization under this "offer of life" category, in collaboration with the Tom Vander Woude Guild (founded to share his story, collect reports of graces/favors through his intercession, and advance the process). Reports from 2025 confirm diocesan-level work, including assignment of a postulator in Rome and public talks by his son Chris Vander Woude. He has not yet been declared Servant of God (the title begins formally upon diocesan opening of the cause and nihil obstat from the Holy See), Venerable, Blessed, or Saint—no beatification or canonization has occurred, and no authenticated miracles are publicly documented for beatification purposes. This reflects current Catholic processes and media coverage, but consult primary Church sources (Diocese of Arlington or Dicastery for the Causes of Saints) for the latest official status, as the cause remains preliminary.
The Tom Vander Woude Guild (https://tvwguild.org/) promotes his example of sacrificial fatherhood, invites submissions of prayer favors or graces attributed to his intercession, and supports documentation for the cause. No primary shrine, relics, feast day, or official patronage exists yet, though his story inspires devotion among families, fathers, and those with special-needs children.
Stored in Cargo: Tom Vander Woude
| Tom Vander Woude | |
| Feast Day | None established |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Unofficial popular: fathers, families with special-needs children, sacrificial love (pending cause) |
| Birthplace | Sioux Falls area, South Dakota, United States (per some biographical notes) |
| Death Place | Nokesville (Gainesville area), Virginia, United States |
| Cause of Death | Drowning and toxic fume inhalation during rescue of son |
| Primary Shrine | None official; family farm and local parishes sites of devotion |
Biography
Birth
According to family and biographical accounts, Tom Vander Woude was born on April 24, 1942, in the Sioux Falls area of South Dakota.
Evidence suggests a Midwestern Catholic upbringing before relocating to Virginia.
Early Life
Details of his youth remain limited in public sources, but family testimonies describe a foundation in faith and family values that shaped his later life.
Occupation
Tom worked as a farmer on family property in Nokesville, Virginia, and served as athletic director at Christendom College and Chelsea Academy, emphasizing Catholic formation for youth.
Vocation
As a lay Catholic husband and father, Tom's vocation centered on family life, daily Rosary, and charitable service, welcoming others into his home and supporting Catholic education.
Hagiographic tradition (emerging from family and guild accounts) holds his ordinary fidelity prepared him for heroic sacrifice, though this reflects pious reflection.
Death
Tom Vander Woude met his end on September 8, 2008, by jumping into a septic tank on his farm to rescue his son Joseph, holding him above the surface until help arrived.[1]
Historical accounts note his final words to the farmhand: "You pull; I'll push," exemplifying immediate self-gift.
Significant events
- Born April 24, 1942, in South Dakota.
- Relocated family to Northern Virginia in the 1980s for Catholic education.
- Father of seven sons, including Fr. Tom Vander Woude.
- Served as athletic director at Christendom College and other Catholic institutions.
- Heroic rescue and death September 8, 2008.
- Memorial fund established in his name for Down syndrome research (post-2008).
- Diocese of Arlington begins investigation into potential cause (2025).
- Tom Vander Woude Guild founded to promote his story and gather intercession reports.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Sioux Falls area, South Dakota, United States (per some biographical notes)
Death location: Nokesville (Gainesville area), Virginia, United States
Notable location: Home and site of heroic act (Family farm, Nokesville, Virginia)
Notable location: Community involvement in Catholic education (Seton School / Christendom College area, Virginia)
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Notable location: ()
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Dynamic content
Parishes
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
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Media
No media found for this saint.
Shrines
This will pull in related Shrines.
No results
No shrines where this saint is the primary saint.
List of shrines
No official shrines designated under Canon 1230 as of 2026, as the cause remains preliminary. Popular devotion occurs at:
Family farm site, Nokesville
- Private family property in Nokesville, Virginia, where the heroic act occurred. Not bishop-designated as a shrine but site of remembrance and prayer by family/friends.
- Pilgrimage details: Informal visits; Diocese of Arlington.
- Fact: Location of sacrifice on September 8, 2008.
Local parishes (e.g., Holy Trinity, Gainesville)
- Parishes associated with the family (e.g., where Fr. Tom serves) host talks and Masses in his memory.
- Pilgrimage details: Occasional events; Diocese of Arlington.
- Fact: Site of family involvement and presentations on his life.
Canonization
Servant of God
Not yet formally declared; diocesan investigation underway (as of 2025) toward possible opening of cause under "offer of life" category (Pope Francis, 2017 motu proprio).
Venerable
No declaration as of January 23, 2026.
Beatification
No beatification; requires authenticated miracle post-cause opening.
Canonization
No canonization.
Miracles
No authenticated miracles reported or required at this preliminary stage. The guild collects reports of graces/favors through intercession.
Patronage
Unofficial popular devotion as intercessor for fathers, families (especially with Down syndrome/special needs), and sacrificial love.
Feast day
None established.
Veneration
Tom Vander Woude is venerated informally through family Rosary, talks by his son Chris, and guild efforts sharing his story. No relics or official shrines yet. His example influences reflections on fatherhood and charity in Catholic media.
Books
Written about the saint
- Featured in "The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You into the Heart of God" by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames.
- Guild publications and media articles.
Written by the saint
- None known.
External links
References
- ↑ CNA, Arlington Catholic Herald, guild site