“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:
Until the King Returns
In this shorty, Kara gives an in-depth teaching on the Catholic Church and the Papacy (Popes). Why does the Church have a Pope? Where is the idea of a Pope in the Bible?
God’s Ways are Desert Ways
We speak with guest, Catholic speaker, author, and podcaster, Sonja Corbitt! This episode unpacks some content in her book, "Just Rest." God's ways are ALWAYS desert ways. He shows us this throughout the Scriptures, specifically through the Exodus.
God wants to bring us to the promised land! But before the promised land comes the desert. There are lessons to be learned and "dew" to be given within the desert. Listen to this episode to hear this in depth discussion of "Just Rest" and some profound experiences of Fred and Kara in reading this book.
What Am I Supposed to Do?
With guest-Sister Fidelis Marie, we talk about living holiness in our every day lives. It's easy to get bogged down discerning the future options, vocations, or the many choices placed in front of us. Sister Fidelis gives wonderful, spiritually balanced, guidance on discerning where God calls us.
Living the Heart of the Gospel
In this episode, we again take up the theme of “life lessons” from the Saints. We share our encounters with St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” and share some deeply personal experiences of how her words, and no doubt her intercession, helped us draw near to the Lord during very difficult times. We consider St. Therese a very dear friend and we hope that this episode will help you to also discover just how relatable she is; and how her “Little Way” can help you also find joy and fulfillment even in the smallest and seemingly insignificant moments.
Coping with Feelings of Failure
Thoughts of our own failures and shortcomings, whether real or only perceived, can often surround us like a heavy storm. BUT even if he is asleep in the boat, he is always present in moments of failure… ready to calm the storm! And the best part is, he wants to use our shortcomings to bring about something beautiful!
Praying the Catechism and God’s Incredible Love for You
In this Shorty, Fred shows us how to not only pray with Scripture, but also how to pray with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. The Church teaches Truth, and we are invited to not simply learn this truth, but pray with it! Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process.
The Word is Alive
Scripture is the Living Word of God. It is there, in Scripture, that we encounter Christ. It is through study and prayer of the Word that we walk with God and speak with Him.
Mary: Ark of the New Covenant
This "shorty" (what we decided to call short/bonus episodes) teaches on Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant.
What is the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament? How does Luke's Gospel present Mary as the New Ark? What does this have to do with the Assumption? Find out in this shorty!
Life Lessons from Assisi
St. Francis and St. Clare have become profound intercessors in our lives who have turned into great friends! This episode shares the lives of Sts. Francis and Clare, while pulling five life lessons we can all learn from them! We hope by the end of this episode, they may hold a place in your heart and become friends of yours, too!
Virtuous Friendship
We have many "friends," or more accurately, "best acquaintances," but we often lack the meaningful relationships; the friendships we long for that are characterized by love, vulnerability, mutual encouragement and accountability. What does friendship look like? Find out on this episode of Draw Near as Fred and Kara discuss all of this and share from their own close friendship!
Ask a Priest
It's a hodge podge of riveting questions and answers with Fr. Behm! You will want to tune in!
Chit Chat and Banter
In this episode of Draw Near, we step away from being hosts and turn the microphone over to our friend John Paul, as he asks us questions from listeners. In this fun, light hearted discussion, you will learn more about us
Most Humble
For all of time God had a beautiful and perfect plan for salvation. And St. Joseph was always a part of that plan! That is something to be particularly proud of, and yet he is one of the greatest examples of humility.
Made for Greatness
In this episode we discuss how the pursuit of holiness begins with our conversion; the loving, humble, response we make to God who has demonstrated his great love for us on the Cross.
Discernment and Decision Making
It is not always easy for us to make decisions. We can be tempted to become anxious and fearful when faced with making an important decision. In this episode Kara and Fred share some thoughts from the treasury of the Church’s teaching as well as their own experience in striving to follow the will of God in their own lives.
WHY give up?
In this Ash Wednesday episode, we explore the "why" behind our Lenten sacrifices and devotion; as well as some tips on dealing with discouragement during Lent. We also offer some tips and suggestions from our own experience, on how to draw near to Christ during Lent.
4 People You Need in Your Life
We are made for relationship... and yet it seems so hard to find those intimate Catholic friendships. Listen to this episode to hear the 4 roles we need in our lives when it comes to friendships.
As We Forgive
"Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us." Mt 6:12, 14-15. Each time we pray this, we acknowledge that we are forgiven to the measure we forgive.
Life of Prayer
In a follow-up episode to Prayer: Intimate Friendship with God, we continue the conversation on prayer with friend and speaker Matthew Leonard. No matter where we are in our relationship with God, He is always calling us to grow in the spiritual life..