About the show
“Jesus himself drew near.” (Lk 24:15)
God takes the initiative to draw near to us out of a deep and personal love for each one of us. This movement asks each of us for a response. There are so many beautiful ways we can respond to the work of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. This is a journey we share together, drawing near to Christ as we draw near to one another. This shared journey toward Christ, rooted in the Catholic faith, is the focus of our podcast. Our goal is to be authentic, honest, humble, faithful, loving, passionate, real and vulnerable in each episode. We also like to keep it lighthearted. We are two best friends, sharing life together with our families. We invite you to join us as we Draw Near. Let's grow towards sainthood together!
Hosts: Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell
Learn more at: www.drawnear.me
Draw Near on social media
Episodes
-
Wholly inadequate: Homily by Fr. Patrick Behm
October 16th, 2024 | 13 mins 53 secs
bonus, fr. behm, homily
In Father Patrick Behm's homily from the 25th Sunday in Ordinary time (September 22nd), he poses the question: "Will I ever be enough?" He looks at Mark 9: 30-37: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?" This Gospel passage brings a beautiful reflection on: "Do successes and achievements somehow make us more lovable? Where is God in the mess?"
-
An Inside look at our Catholic Friendship: Fred and Kara Interview one another
October 2nd, 2024 | 1 hr 5 mins
get to know the hosts, interview episode, questions, special episode
In this fun light-hearted episode of the Draw Near Catholic podcast, hosts, Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell decided to interview one another and give listeners an inside look at our Catholic friendship. There are serious faith-driven questions as well as goofy opinion questions. Grab some coffee and join us as friends, as you listen to this highly caffeinated interview episode of Draw Near!
-
Friday the 13th
September 18th, 2024 | 7 mins 27 secs
Fred shares a brief reflection on an experience from middle school, and how it has effected his view of present cultural circumstances and relationships.
-
Draw Near Retreat (POSTPONED): New Date November 16th
September 11th, 2024 | 56 secs
a future, a hope, catholic spirituality, jeremiah 29, register today, retreat
You won't regret spending a day dedicated to prayer and your relationship with God! You're invited to the annual Draw Near Retreat on November 16th! The theme is "A Future and Hope." Do you struggle to surrender to God's plan for the future? How can we find hope in the midst of all that is going on? What is God asking of you for your life? This day is full of inspiring keynotes & breakout talks that will invite you to encounter God & grow deeper, & more resolute, in a life lived for Christ. Join Fred & Kara, of the Draw Near podcast, and many others for this retreat! Register TODAY
-
"If I were the devil"
September 4th, 2024 | 52 mins 4 secs
commentary, culture, if i were the devil, paul harvey
In a radio broadcast from 1965, Paul Harvey gave a famous address called "If I were the devil." What would be the devils tactics to draw people away from God and away from the Church? Has he won? Where is God when looking at the state of the world? In this Draw Near podcast episode, Fred and Kara offer commentary on this address.
-
"Reckless Love" (Cover by Fred and Kara)
August 30th, 2024 | 6 mins 25 secs
cover song, reckless love, worship music
Draw Near Cover of "Reckless Love" by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (Originally by Cory Asbury)
-
One Boat: Are We a Church Divided?
August 21st, 2024 | 48 mins 48 secs
division, one boat, scripture, the church
There is so much division in the world... but also in the Church! The Church has been described in the image of a "Boat" since the Early Church Fathers. We are all ONE BOAT. ONE Church. Why do our opinions divide us? In this episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara touch on what causes division in the Church and how it can be healed.
What do we allow to divide us? Where is God in our opinions? Does pride divide us? -
Coping with Anxiety
August 7th, 2024 | 47 mins 57 secs
anxiety, depression, faith, mental health
How do we reconcile the faith, God's will, and Scripture with feelings of anxiety and depression? Fred and Kara with the Draw Near podcast bring in Spiritual Director, Sister Fidelis Marie to have an honest discussion about anxiety and depression.
-
A Future & A Hope: A Lectio Divina Discussion
July 24th, 2024 | 39 mins 40 secs
catholic podcast, prayer, spiritual
In this surprisingly personal episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara share how the words of Jeremiah 29 can change hearts.
It gives a "map" of how to find God and what God wants to bring into your life! Where can hope be found as we look at the future? Listen to this Catholic Podcast. -
Apologetics PART 4: How to share your faith
July 10th, 2024 | 47 mins 3 secs
apologetics, catholic beliefs, defending your faith
In this final episode of the Draw Near "Apologetics series," Fred and Kara share practical tips to defending your own Catholic faith while sharing Truth with Love!
-
Apologetics PART 3: the Pope, Bible ALONE, Rapture, & Resurrection
June 26th, 2024 | 56 mins 59 secs
apologetics, biblical teaching, catholic beliefs, study, teaching
What do Catholics ACTUALLY believe? Enjoy part 3 where Fred & Kara, of Draw Near, continue to defend the Catholic Church and correct any misconceptions or misunderstandings! This episode talks about the pope (papacy), Sola Scriptura, Authority, the Rapture, and the Resurrection. (We hope you're loving these Catholic teaching episodes as much as we are.)
-
Apologetics PART 2: Creation, Aliens, & Purgatory
June 12th, 2024 | 1 hr 17 mins
aliens, apologetics, bible teaching, catholic teaching, confession, creation, eucharist, purgatory
In the 4-part apologetics series, Fred and Kara, of Draw Near take up more difficult Catholic questions like: creation, aliens, the Eucharist, Confession, and Purgatory.