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

  • "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

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    "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)

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    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!