Draw Near

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.

Apologetics PART 1: Mary & Salvation

May 29th, 2024  |  1 hr 6 mins

apologetics, bible teaching, catholic teaching, mary, salvation

Who loves Q&A? We do! Fred and Kara answer common Catholic questions, among Catholics, Protestants, or even atheists. Enjoy part 1 of this extended series and tune in to the additional episodes to come!
Questions in this episode:

1. Why do Catholic Worship Mary? What's the deal with Mary?
2. Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints?
3. What do Catholics believe about salvation? How are you saved?

COVER SONG: "I Am Not Alone"

May 25th, 2024  |  4 mins 17 secs

christian music, cover song, i am not alone, worship music

Enjoy this Draw Near Cover of "I Am Not Alone" by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (originally by Kari Jobe)

Ask and I Will Do It: A Lectio Divina Reflection on John 14

May 8th, 2024  |  30 mins 32 secs

discouragement, doubt, faith, hope, prayer

In John chapter 14, Jesus says, "Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it." But what do these words mean? What can we learn from this? How should it effect the way we live our lives? The way we pray? In this episode, we reflect on the words of Jesus in John 14:12-14 as we look for answers to these questions.

NOTE: We are currently moving into our new studio space and working on the renovations needed. That said, YOU WILL HEAR THE KIDS in this epsiode. #catholicfamilylife

Christian tips on "How to Friend" in today's changing world

April 24th, 2024  |  45 mins 58 secs

friendship, holiness, how to make friends, virtue

We were made for relationship and friendship. Yet, so many of us often feel alone; lost in a sea of acquaintances, with few "real" friends. We feel alone. How are we to overcome this? How are we to actually "Add Friend" in real life? Why is it more important to "belong" in a friendship, rather than to simply "fit in?" What can we learn from Jesus about what true friendship looks like?

Source and Summit (MLMG Ep 27)

April 19th, 2024  |  31 mins 28 secs

eucharist, eucharistic revival, source and summit

In this final episode of My Lord and My God, we explore the meaning of the phrase, drawn from Church teaching, "The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Why is it important? In Scripture, Christ wants to abide in us; to cast our anxieties upon Him. We are reminded that it is only in Him that we have life in the fullest and truest sense.
We also read that He will be with us even until the "close of the age"; He invites us to that great heavenly wedding feast as the true and final SUMMIT!
What does this all have to do with the Eucharist or your life? ...Everything!

DN Classics: Virtuous Friendship

April 17th, 2024  |  55 mins 15 secs

friends, friendship, holiness, virtue

Drawing from our vault, we share one of our earliest (but most downloaded) episodes as we lay a foundation for an all new follow up episode next week! In today's culture, it is not uncommon to find ourselves feeling like we have many "friends," or more accurately, "best acquaintances," but still lack meaningful relationships; the friendships we long for that are characterized by love, vulnerability, mutual encouragement and accountability. What does friendship look like? Find out on this episode of Draw Near as Fred and Kara discuss all of this and share from their own close friendship!