Sadly, my home state has just been re-crowned the most secular in the nation. Of the people polled, 27 percent of Oregonians (yes, that’s what we call ourselves) claim no affiliation with any religion, compared with 16 percent nationally. The arrogance of my fellow citizens doesn’t surprise me, but it definitely frustrates me.

Catholicism especially has taken its lumps over the past decade or so, which I’m sure is partially due to the abuse scandals that were handled so poorly. Fortunately, these numbers have been offset by the large number of Catholic immigrants.

So what does this all mean? Well, it’s just more statistical information that shows that our culture is exceedingly hedonistic.

As secularism continues to infiltrate our society, the effects are apparent. Our country’s divorce rates have hovered near 50 percent for the past twenty years. Marriage has gone from commitment (and Sacrament) to a meaningless civil ceremony, which may be dissolved on a whim. Children are no longer regarded as gifts from God, rather they are a nuisance. Just look at how many of them are aborted, or at the very least medicated and left to be raised by complete strangers in daycare centers.

School shootings and child pornography? The erosion of right and wrong exactly parallels the diminishing role of God in our lives.

So what can we do? I can’t tell you what to do, but I know what I’m doing. First of all, I’m not just talking about turning to God, I’m actually doing it. I spend more time in prayer, and I focus a lot more on the evaluation of my spiritual fitness. I examine my consciousness. I confess my sins. Yes, to a priest! I’m trying desperately to live my life as a shining example of the light of Christ. My ultimate goal in life is transparency. When people see me, I want them to see Jesus staring them in the eye. I know first-hand that it’s almost impossible to turn from Jesus when you’re standing face to face with Him.

Unfortunately, I fall very short of these lofty goals. But when I fall, I try my best to keep in mind that Jesus is right there to pick me back up again. I don’t have to do this on my own. If you think you’d like to meet him face to face then stop by your local Catholic parish. He’s there at every mass, and he’s irresistible.