Draw Near

The Shepherd’s Voice: Trusting in God’s Guidance

May 14th, 2025  |  42 mins 58 secs

catholic, discernment, faith, good shepherd, hearing god, john 10, prayer, st ignatius, trust

How do we hear the voice of Jesus in a world full of noise, distraction, and doubt? And what does it mean to truly follow him—especially when the road is uncertain or difficult?

In this episode, we reflect on John 10 and Jesus’ words: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” We explore how to discern the voice of the Good Shepherd through prayer, silence, and Scripture—and we introduce insights from St. Ignatius of Loyola on the discernment of spirits to help you grow in spiritual clarity and trust. If you’re longing for peace, direction, or deeper intimacy with Christ, this conversation is for you.

The Cross Isn’t the End of the Story: Holding Onto Hope in Grief

February 18th, 2025  |  8 mins 51 secs

catholic, catholic reflection, christian living, christianity, cross, endurance, faith, faith in trials, finding peace, grief, hope, jesus christ, redemptive suffering, resurrection, spiritual darkness, spiritual growth, suffering, trust in god, unseen joy

What happens when you endure the Cross, but joy feels impossibly far away? In this episode, we explore the mystery of suffering, the hope of unseen joy, and the strength we find in Christ to carry us through life’s heaviest trials.

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.

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

Sports and Sainthood

February 15th, 2023  |  57 mins 10 secs

athletics, coaching, faith, holiness, parenting, prayer, priorities, sports

At times the world of sports can seem to run headlong into conflict with the world of faith. Studies and lived world experience seem to reveal that at least in the hearts and minds of many, participation in and consumption of sports entertainment take the priority over matters of faith and worship on any given Sunday. This can be found even in the pressures placed upon young people. What is this the cause of this seeming divide? What does the Church (and Scripture) have to say about the relationship between faith and sports? What value is there in athletics in terms of informing our faith and helping us to grow in virtue? In this episode we are joined by coach and teacher, Kelley Grothus and Fr Patrick Behm as we discuss the answers to these questions and more.

One Hour with Our Son

February 1st, 2023  |  52 mins 42 secs

catholic marriage, faith, guest, hope, infant loss, love, miscarriage, suffering, testimony

*** Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage ***

In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges.