The Daily Advertiser
Article published Aug 27, 2006
Foundation Works to Prevent Suicide
Letter to the Editor written by Father Joseph Brennan
During my 47 years of priesthood, some of the most demanding times were being with the families of those who lost someone by suicide. The situation became even worse when the victim was young. The rate of suicide has increased among young people more than 200 percent since 1950.
Last December, a young man by the name of Jacob Crouch took his own life. He was captain of the high school football team at St. Thomas More High School. While at UL, he was vice president of his fraternity, president of the Interfraternity Council and was just about to finish his work at the university.
Jacob came from a loving family and his parents, Ken and Michelle Crouch, were deeply affected. This sorrow was shared by his many friends and classmates. After the sorrow abated, they decided to do something about it. Several of his friends joined his parents in setting up the Jacob Crouch Foundation. Their mission statement directs that this foundation educate people as to the warning signs of this danger.
The Diocese of Lafayette has provided some useful information in this area. This information comes from the Office of Christian Formation. Part of the information that is available is an article by Father Ron Rolheiser, who wrote the classic book, The Holy Longing. He mentions that suicide is an emotional breakdown. He further adds that this act is an illness and not a sin. He says the hands of God are more gentle and more safe than our own.
The Jacob Crouch Foundation has made great strides in the past few months. This group has captured the spirit of The Prayer of St. Francis: "Let me be an instrument of your peace, where there is darkness, light, and where there is doubt, faith. They have lit a candle rather than bemoan the darkness."
Father Joseph Brennan
Lafayette