I remember attending a progressive/public service-oriented leadership conference two years ago where I had the opportunity to momentarily step out of my San Francisco bubble and interact with other young people around the country. As usual, I engaged in dialogue with other service-oriented idealists about the need to wake up government and inspire action among our less active young counterparts. As the participants and myself got to know each other more, the seem to be quite receptive to, if not in awe of, my Bay Area background. While hailing from "liberal utopia" sat well with my colleagues, many appeared puzzled by my religious affiliation.

"Did you say you were Catholic? Well, you're not like other church people I know."