Draw Near

Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another.

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

  • Bonus: The Gift of the Magi

    December 20th, 2024  |  10 mins 57 secs

    Continuing to share some of our favorite Christmas stories as we do every holiday season, here is a a classic that may just bring you to tears: "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. For this reading, Fred is joined by Siouxland Catholic Radio's, Joanne Fox, who narrates. He is also joined by his wife, Krystal, in the role of Della and his daughter who plays the part of Mrs. Sofronie.

  • Advent Reflection: Already and Not Yet

    December 18th, 2024  |  38 mins 2 secs
    advent, christmas, draw near podcast, lectio divina, scripture

    Jesus is coming... AGAIN!
    Advent is a time of Preparation! In this Lectio Divina Reflection Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin in a manger and so has ALREADY come. BUT also... not YET, because Jesus will come again. Are we preparing ourselves for Jesus to return? What if Jesus returned tomorrow? Are you ready?

  • Best of “Dad Jokes”, Bloopers and Shenanigans

    December 16th, 2024  |  49 mins 25 secs

    Pure silliness and fun with great friends. In order to celebrate both our 200th episode, and the completetion of four years of Draw Near, we thought it would be fun to share some of our "best of" dad jokes, outtakes and bloopers' moments. We are joined by special guests, Phillip Grothus, Taylor Schroll, and John Paul Keane. Enjoy!

  • 200th Episode Special: "Best of Guests"

    December 13th, 2024  |  55 mins 37 secs
    anniversary, bonus, catholic, draw near, guest, mash-up, podcast

    Fred and Kara could think of no better way to celebrate the 200th Episode of the Draw Near Catholic Podcast, than spotlighting some "Best of Guests" moments. The truth is, there are too many to fit in one episode... but this is a good start! We have Catholic Speakers and friends: Matthew Leonard, Sonja Corbitt, Sister Fidelis Marie, Julie Storr, and Father Patrick Behm

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    Early Preview: Take, Lord, and Receive All That I Have and Possess (ISAM S4E4)

    December 9th, 2024  |  48 mins 38 secs

    In this early preview of the fourth episode of our I See A Movement podcast, Kara and Fred are joined by good friend and frequent collaborator, Eric Gallagher. We take a look at what Eric sees the Lord doing in his life and ministry and we discuss the nature of total surrender to the will of God in one's life. The joys, the struggles, the grounding in hope; this is sure to be an inspiring and uplifitng episode for those who are discerning possible new steps in their lives.

  • DN Classics: There's Something About Mary

    December 6th, 2024  |  1 hr 1 min
    blessed mother, catholic, catholic teaching, conversion, december 8, encouragement, full of grace, healing, identity, immaculate conception, mary, scripture, trauma

    In the deeply personal first half of this episode, Fred and Kara reflect on their relationship with Mary, and how that has changed and grown over the years. Fred shares more of his testimony about converting to Catholicism and the role Mary played in that process. He also reflects on issues such as identity, childhood trauma, mistrust, and difficult family experiences and how these can effect our relationship with God; as well as with Mary. He shares the story of his relationship with Mary, and how she has helped him to find healing. Christ, while bleeding out and dying on the Cross, said to his Mother, “Behold your son;” and to his beloved disciple, “Behold your Mother.” Scripture then affirms that from that day, this beloved disciple “took her into his home.” We to, as beloved disciples must take her into our homes, and allow the love of the Mother of God to penetrate our hearts as only that of a faithful mother can. Her heart is to draw us near to the source of peace that surpasses all understanding: her son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    In the second half, we return to Kara's teaching on the Immaculate Conception, which we celebrate on December 8. Kara dives into a scriptural study of key texts that point to Mary’s Immaculate Conception with hopes that each listener would be drawn deeper into the celebration of this Holy Day of Obligation.

  • "In the Desert, I Praise You:" Gratitude Reflection

    November 20th, 2024  |  37 mins 37 secs
    lectio divina, prayer, reflection, scripture, spirituality

    With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it is common to be thankful for the good gifts, graces, love, or comforts of life. But, how often do we thank God for the thorn in our side, the pit we have fallen into, or the desert we simply cannot find a way out of? In this episode of the Catholic podcast, Draw Near, Fred and Kara reflect on 2 Scripture passages focusing on gratitude to God in the midst of difficulty.

  • The Future of Draw Near (ISAM S4E1)

    October 30th, 2024  |  53 mins 17 secs
    i see a movement, small ember, vision

    Spoiler Alert! In this pre-release episode of "I See a Movement" Season 4, Fred and Kara share what has happened in their ministry, the new Non-Profit that has been established, and VERY exciting news about the a future Retreat and Formation Center that God called them to 5 years ago.
    Please be sure to like/follow the "I See a Movement" podcast! Season 4 will begin to air Friday!

  • 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?"

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    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!

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    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