Tom Vander Woude Guild
Newsletter # 6
February 25, 2024

GREAT NEWS!!! Bishop Burbidge has decided that the Diocese will become the Petitioner of the Cause for Tom Vander Woude and take on the full responsibility for the process (with the support and promotional efforts of the Guild). He is looking forward to opening Mr. Vander Woude’s Cause within the diocese.

The Guild has reached out to two very experienced and successful Rome-based Postulators. Both have had the opportunity to look over the various stories, pictures, and video relating to Tom’s life on the Guild’s website. Both have provided us with very kind responses and have shown their interest in potentially working on Tom’s Cause.

This coming Wednesday, February 28, Fathers Workman, Walsh, and Oetjen (see Newsletter #4) will be meeting with the Guild’s Board members. Our discussions will concern all the various roles, activities, and processes that are necessary regarding the current canonical process for carrying out the Diocesan Inquiry stage. We will also be meeting with the Vice Postulator of SOG Fr. Capodanno’s Cause, Mary Preece.  She has kindly offered to bring along some resources and help us with our understanding and successful accomplishment of the various tasks needed to award a Servant Of God title to Mr. Thomas S. Vander Woude.

Mrs. Preece will also help us to understand the day-to-day working relationships between ourselves, the Roman Postulator, and the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. She has been very involved with Fr. Capodanno’s Cause for a long time. We are so very glad and thankful for her offer to help and support our efforts. It was Mrs. Preece who recommended both Postulators to whom we are in contact.

How can each person help to encourage and support Tom Vander Woude’s Cause?

Six simple ways:

• Pray that the Diocesan Stage of Inquiry of his Cause will move forward quickly. We are still targeting for a formal opening announcement of Tom’s Cause by Bishop Burbidge on or before the diocese’s Golden Jubilee Festival of Saturday, June 8, 2024.
• Forward or share this newsletter with your family and friends. It’s easy – PLEASE DO IT. One or more of them might know a story or two about him.
• Let your friends and family know they can sign up for the Newsletter at: tvwguild.org
• Send us any stories of:
  1. Tom’s “Prayer Favors” that might illustrate intercessory powers.
  2. Christian service to his church, community, yourself, or a loved one.
  3. Stories of his faith and/or reputation of his holiness.
• Tell your pastor about the Cause and ask to host a group presentation at your church, women’s group, KofC Council, veteran’s group, etc. We are happy to support – just contact us via email at: in**@tv******.org

• Make a tax-deductible donation. We promise that we will protect your investment and use it wisely for the encouragement and support of Tom’s Cause.

Sincere blessings to you all,
Keith Henderson, Board Chairman
Tom Vander Woude Guild
P O Box 193
Front Royal, VA 22630
Email: in**@tv******.org