Draw Near

Penance: The Desert Where God Transforms Us

February 18th, 2026  |  40 mins 33 secs

almsgiving, ash wednesday, catholic podcast, catholic spirituality, christian living, desert spirituality, discipleship, draw near podcast, faith journey, fasting, hope, lent, new life in christ, penance, prayer, resurrection, sacrifice, spiritual growth, suffering, transformation

Suffering is where transformation begins, but what does that have to do with Lent?

In this Ash Wednesday episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara explore the meaning of penance, the purpose of the desert season, and how suffering can become a place of spiritual growth that leads toward resurrection. Why does Lent begin with ashes and words about death? How does penance train the heart? And how does the journey through sacrifice open us to new life in Christ?

Still Here

January 21st, 2026  |  25 mins 46 secs

catholic, catholic spirituality, discernment, draw near, encouragement, faith, hope, isaiah 42, jesus the servant, ministry, perseverance, podcast, quiet seasons, renewal, rest, returning to your why, scripture reflection, spiritual growth, sustainability, trusting god

Draw Near is still here. In this episode, we share where the ministry is right now, why we’re returning to our “why,” and how God has been gently guiding a shift in rhythm and direction. Rooted in Isaiah 42:3, we reflect on Jesus as the Servant who tends what is fragile with mercy and care—and why this season is not about fading, but faithful discernment.

If Jesus Is Lord, Life Looks Different

December 3rd, 2025  |  36 mins 43 secs

catholic life, christian living, conversion, discernment, discipleship, draw near podcast, gospel reflection, grace, holy spirit, obedience, prayer, scripture, spiritual growth

In a gentle (yet challenging) episode on Luke 6:46, Fred and Kara explore Jesus's words to his followers: "Why do you call me Lord Lord and do not do what I tell you?" This episode takes an honest look at what it means to actually live Jesus words from Scripture and his personal promptings to each of our hearts. We explore the freedom and difficulties in the promptings of the Spirit, real obedience even when teachings are hard, and how to discern the deeper “yes” God is inviting you into.

Encountering God in Scripture: Listening with Your Heart

July 27th, 2025  |  39 mins 47 secs

catholic bible, faith journey, hearing god, prayer, scripture, spiritual growth

In this episode of Draw Near, we explore how Scripture becomes a living encounter with the voice of God. We talk about how to prepare our hearts to hear him, the power of knowing the full story of salvation, and how God speaks uniquely and personally through his Word. With personal stories, practical tips, and favorite passages that have carried us through suffering and joy, we hope to inspire you to trust that God is speaking to you.

Whether you’re new to reading Scripture or longing to go deeper, this conversation will help you move from simply reading the Bible to truly encountering the God who loves you.

The Bread of Life: Rediscovering the Power of the Eucharist

June 25th, 2025  |  46 mins 1 sec

catholic church, catholic faith, catholicism, christian living, devotion, discipleship, eucharist, healing, prayer, sacraments, spiritual growth, worship

In this episode of Draw Near, we reflect on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and invite you to rediscover the power, beauty, and reality of the Eucharist. More than a symbol, the Eucharist is the living presence of Jesus—true food for the soul, strength for the weary, and healing for the brokenhearted.

Surprised by Mercy

April 30th, 2025  |  39 mins 6 secs

christian life, compassion, divine mercy, forgiveness, god's mercy, healing, mercy in scripture, spiritual growth

What is mercy, really—and why does it matter so much today? In this episode, Fred and Kara dive into the heart of Divine Mercy, exploring how God’s mercy heals, transforms, and calls us to do the same for others. With stories, Scripture, and personal reflections, they unpack mercy as more than forgiveness—it’s compassion in action. You’ll walk away inspired to receive mercy and live it out in your relationships and daily life.

The Mountaintop Experience: Encountering Christ’s Glory

March 20th, 2025  |  25 mins 14 secs

christian life, encounter god, faith journey, gospel reflection, lent, prayer, spiritual growth, spiritual renewal, transfiguration, trust god

Have you ever had a powerful “mountaintop” moment in your faith—only to struggle when coming back to daily life? In this episode, we dive into the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36) and explore:
How to seek moments of transformation in your spiritual life
What it means to carry the light of Christ into everyday struggles
The power of prayer to open our hearts to God’s transformative love
Lent is a season of renewal—don’t miss this episode that will challenge and inspire you to draw near to God in a deeper way!

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.