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EquipCastEncouragement and inspiration for sharing your catholic faith Author: Archdiocese of Omaha
Sharing your Catholic faith with family and friends can sometimes feel daunting. Where do I start? How do I make an impact? Welcome to EquipCast, a weekly podcast from the Archdiocese of Omaha. We want to support your faith journey and equip you with the tools to express your faith authentically in your everyday life. Each week, well discuss practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world. Each episode is filled with encouragement and inspiration so you can make an impact and make disciples in your own faith community. For more information and to stay connected with us, head to equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. Language: en-us Genres: Christianity, Education, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Episode 211: What Would You Do for Your Child? The Story of Tom Vander Woude
Episode 211
Monday, 20 April, 2026
What would you do if the person you loved most was in danger—and there was no time to think? Today on the Equip Cast, I sit down with Chris Vander Woude to tell the story of a quiet, faithful father who answered that question with his life. Tom Vander Woude wasn’t famous. He wasn’t flashy. He was a husband, a dad, a farmer, a Navy pilot—and a man who spent his life showing up in ordinary ways. Until one extraordinary moment, when he gave everything to save his son Joseph. In this conversation, you’ll hear how a hidden life of prayer, love, and fatherhood prepared Tom for heroic sacrifice—and why his story is stirring hearts around the world today, even to the point that the Church is considering opening a cause for canonization. This is a story about love, courage, faith, and what it really means to live your life as a gift. [01:45] Chris’s faith journey [04:23] Introducing Tom Vanderwoude (Chris’s father) [09:00] Joseph is born (Down syndrome) [11:59] How Joseph changed the family [15:32] Cultural reflection on special needs & abortion [16:22] Tom’s philosophy: no limitations on Joseph [17:34] Tom gives his life for Joseph [23:20] Community response & funeral [26:17] Long term impact of Tom’s story [29:21] Possible cause for canonization [39:52] The Tom Vanderwoude Guild [44:21] How Joseph has been affected [45:51] Tom’s hidden life: prayer & marriage [50:44] Encouragement to take a leap of faith [51:41] How to connect & learn more Check out the Tom Vander Woude Guild. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)
