“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!
Listen below to the most RECENT EPISODE:
Advent Reflection: Already… and Not Yet
In this Lectio Divina Advent Reflection, Fred and Kara talk about preparing for the coming of Jesus! He was born of a virgin 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?
200th Episode Special: “Best of Guests”
To celebrate the 200th Episode of the Draw Near Catholic Podcast, we are spotlighting some "Best of Guests" moments. We have Catholic Speakers and friends: Matthew Leonard, Sonja Corbitt, Sister Fidelis Marie, Julie Storr, and Father Patrick Behm. ENJOY!
“In the Desert I Praise You:” Gratitude Reflection
Fred and Kara reflect on 2 Scripture passages focusing on gratitude to God. We are thankful for the goodness 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?
The Future Vision of Draw Near (ISAM S4E1)
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!
An Inside look at our Catholic Friendship: Fred and Kara Interview one another
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!
One Boat: Are We a Church Divided?
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.
Coping with Anxiety
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression? How do we reconcile the faith, God's will, and Scripture with feelings of anxiety and depression?
A Future & A Hope
In this surprisingly personal episode, Fred and Kara share how the words of Jeremiah 29 can change hearts. “A Future & A Hope.” “Seek me and YOU WILL FIND me.” “I will be found by you.”
Apologetics Part 4: HOW TO share 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
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.
Apologetics PART 2: Creation, Aliens, & Purgatory
In the 4-part apologetics series, we take up more difficult Catholic questions like: creation, aliens, the Eucharist, Confession, and Purgatory.
Apologetics PART 1: Answering Common Catholic Questions
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!
Ask and I Will Do It
"Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it." Just like that... no questions asked? Does he need anything from us? In this episode, we reflect on the words of Jesus in John 14:12-14 as we look for answers to these questions.
How to “Friend”
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. How are we to overcome this? How are we to actually "Add Friend" in real life?
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
As we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at the beginning of this Easter season, we revisit the topic of suffering and reflect on its relationship to the Resurrection; and the experience of resurrection in our own lives. Why do we suffer? What purpose does it serve? How should we approach it? Why does the Lord allow it? And can anything good come from it? In this episode we pull ALOT from Scripture, get a little personal and honest, and reflect suffering in our own lives, and the life of Job, in reflecting on the answers to these questions.
Chosen, Blessed, Broken, and Given
In this episode, taken from the third season of the I See a Movement podcast, we are joined by Eric Gallagher as we discuss our own personal victories through struggles and crosses. We take a look at how suffering and trials give way to resurrection! We also reflect on the necessity of embracing our own brokenness and weaknesses, and how, by grace, this helps us to trust the Lord more and become better instruments of healing in the world. We also reflect on what it means to live a Eucharistic life as we discuss the necessity of embracing our own brokenness and weaknesses.
The Interior Life
In this second episode taken from the I See a Movement series on the apostolate, we discuss the interior life and it's place within the apostolate of every believer. What is the interior life? What are some of the struggles we face as we strive to grow in the interior life? Listen to find out!
The Soul of the Apostolate
Here we look at the foundational truth, that by grace and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our souls, we are apostles. We take an honest look at what this means for our our lives; and discuss our tendency to want to be independent and in control. We look at the value and necessity of the interior life, and the role our relationship with Christ bears in the fruitfulness of our efforts. We also take a look at the importance of prayer and humility as the greatest strength.
Wrestling with God
In this episode we dive deep into one of the most perplexing passages in Scripture and reflect on its meaning and the implications for our own lives. What is this passage? Genesis 32:22-32, in which Jacob wrestles with God. In what ways is this passage an invitation for all of us? In what we ways do (and perhaps must) we also wrestle with God? How does this wrestling leave us changed? Listen to find out!
Jesus, I Trust in You
In this episode, we share some exciting news! We also spend some time reflecting on one of our favorite prayers, the Litany of Trust. Continuing our "Lectio Series" by reflecting on the prayer itself, we look at what it means to "trust" in the Lord. How can we trust in hard times? How does God forge our trust and hope in Him in the midst of our day to day lives? Listen to find out!