Catholic: Jared Crouch

Jared Crouch talks about his role as a WYD08 Ambassador 

"I see my role as helping to promote WYD, to help youth understand thatit's not a bible-bashing session. It's like-minded people of faithcoming together to pray, learning about themselves and making friendsfrom around the world," he says.

Faith 

"Faith to me is something that gives meaning to my life. I'm an AFLfootballer  I chase around a pig skin ball, so in the grand scheme ofthings, what does that really mean?

"Whatmy faith has taught me is that we've been given different talents andno individual talent is more important than anyone else's. Ourresponsibility is to develop our talents to the best of our abilitiesand share them with everyone else. I work hard so I can play footballand people like to watch me play.

"I played 194 games in a row but in the past three years I've managedonly about  eight games. I've never prayed to be healed of a seriousinjury. One of the ways I reduced injuries  was by looking after mybody.

"Now my faith is being tested but it's very strong. I continue to workhard. It would be easier to make excuses because I'm 30 and people sayit's time to retire. But I don't feel that old. Things will turnaround.

"It's also important for me to visit school kids or people in hospitaland bring some enjoyment in their lives and share my story andhopefully encourage everyone else to do their best too."

Going to Church 

Jaredsays he has always attended church every week. "My faith has changed abit - when I was growing up I was always thanking God for what He hasallowed me to do. Now I encourage people to use their talents to thebest of their abilities.

"When I came to Sydney, I was a young teenager and I used to go tochurch on the weekend because it felt like a good place to be. It wasnice to attend a familiar church service and pray together. The supportI get from fellow parishioners is incredible. They ask: 'Are you backplaying this week? Keep working hard.' The church community is a greatsupportive network no matter what your talent is and what you're tryingto do."

Image courtesy of www.wyd2008.org