At Draw Near, we explore the beautiful truth that God, out of His deep and personal love for each of us, takes the first step to draw near. But this divine movement calls for a response—a response that shapes our lives and transforms our hearts. Together, we embark on this journey of faith, discovering the many ways God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit work within us.
This is more than a podcast; it’s a shared journey toward sainthood. So come laugh with us, reflect with us, and grow with us as we Draw Near to God and one another. Let’s set out together on this adventure of faith, friendship, and grace.
Listen below to the most RECENT EPISODE:
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!
New Day’s Resolution
In this episode, we reflect on New Year's Resolutions... Or, more accurately, "New Day's Resolutions" and the idea that the Lord's mercies are new every morning. While there is great value in in resolutions for a new year, should we also place an emphasis on the hope of a new day, every day? How do we evaluate the "success" of our resolutions? How do we avoid the temptation to be overly hard on our selves when we believe we fall short? Listen to find out!
Love Builds the Church: a Lectio of 1 Cor. 13
LOVE is the root of renewal of heart, renewal in the Church, and renewal in the world. "Love" builds the Church. This is a topic Fred and Kara have wanted to take up for a LONG time on the Draw Near podcast. We share personal reflections or this passage and how God has been moving in our hearts and lives recently.
To Each is Given
"To Each is Given a manifestation of the Spirit" (1 Cor 12:7). We are all given supernatural gifts, or "charisms," for the common good of the Church. Each person has a purpose in the renewal and building up of the Body of Christ. Where can you begin in your process of discerning? Listen to hear about Fred and Kara's discernment and how to begin yours!
Dad Joke Rematch
Back by popular demand, enjoy Draw Near's "dad joke" challenge. We have a rematch between Fred Shellabarger and Phillip Grothus, with Kara as the judge. Who do you think will take the title this time?
The God Who Sees
We are back! (Again)! We are back in the studio TOGETHER with a new episode! Here we share some updates on our lives, where we are and what God has been doing in our hearts and in our lives over the last month and a half. Very much the fruit of prayer, in this episode, we return to our Lectio Divina series and reflect on Genesis 16, the story of Hagar, and what we can be sure of in our relationship with God during dark, difficult and dry seasons.
Greatness Is…
Once again, Fred invites you into his morning routine. The obligatory coffee and a reflection on the call to holiness and mission, the purpose for which we were created, and how God desires to work in our lives. Drawing on the words of Pope Benedict XVI, Scripture, the Catechism, and the lives and teachings of the saints, we pray this reflection will help you to begin your day, the right way! Listen to find out what that means! :)
The Book of Philippians
As we have mentioned in the past, Fred's favorite Scripture passage... Literally, the Book of Philippians. We have teased posting a simple recording, reading the Philippians. So, as he sipped his coffee this morning, and prepared for the day, Fred thought, "Why not today!" So, we hope you enjoy! Take some time to reflect on the wisdom the Lord offers us through St Paul; four simple chapters on living the Christian life well. And a great way to start the day.