Draw Near

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...

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...

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...

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...

We all face discouragement—when our efforts fall short and God's presence feels distant. But even in the storm, even when it feels like Jesus is asleep in the boat, he is still with us and can turn our failures into something beautiful. In this episode, Fred and Kara get real about fear, failure, and the temptation to give up. They share personal stories, what St. Paul teaches us about weakne...

What if the interruptions in your day aren’t distractions… but invitations? In this short reflective episode, Kara shares a personal insight drawn from her own life and the life of Christ in Scripture. Jesus never pushed people away because they weren’t part of “the plan.” He embraced them as the plan. This episode invites you to rethink the way you see the unexpected moments in your own life—thos...

Clear answers to common misconceptions about Catholicism... In this episode of Draw Near, we begin clearing up some of the most common Catholic misunderstandings or assumptions. Misconceptions explained in this episode: 1. Catholicism is about rules and rituals, not a personal relationship with Jesus. 2. Catholics don’t read the Bible and rely on tradition instead of Scripture. 3. Catholics believ...

Concluding our series on the Our Father, we look at the last two petitions in this prayer. Every human person faces trials and temptations. Scripture refers to a battle between flesh and spirit. What does this mean? What does this petition have to do with it? What value is there in temptation? What do these two petitions teach us about the battle between good and evil. In this episode we will answ...

In this episode, we continue walking through the Our Father by reflecting on “Give us this day our daily bread” and “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We explore how these petitions invite us into deeper trust in God’s daily provision and greater awareness of our responsibility to care for others, and reflect on the spiritual hunger of each person. Fred also r...

Tune in today at 4pm on Siouxland Catholic Radio 88.1 FM. To grow in the life of prayer, it matters that we pause and reflect on the words we pray and the posture of heart they form within us. In this episode of Draw Near, Fred continues the journey through the Our Father, exploring the petitions “Hallowed be thy name,” “Thy Kingdom come,” and “Thy will be done.” Together, these lines reorient our...

Many people know how to say the Our Father and learn it from an early age. We can recite it almost without thinking about it. But what do the words of this prayer really mean? Could it be that there is more significance in these words? Jesus Christ gave us this prayer. What is He teaching us in and through this prayer? What can reflection on the words we say so often in this prayer reveal about ou...

n 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...

In this classic Draw Near episode, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with our friend Sr. Fidelis Marie about what it really means to love one another well — not in theory, but in the daily decisions that shape our relationships and communities. If you’ve ever wrestled with empathy, boundaries, or how to grow in authentic charity, this episode will encourage and challenge you in all the right way...

If we truly believe Jesus is Lord, then his words matter… even the ones that challenge us. In this week’s conversation, we reflect on Luke 6:46: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Jesus does not rebuke here, but invites each of us personally to reflect on teachings, words from God, or passages of Scripture we truly believe. Let's also allow it to be an invitation t...

Thank you for listening to Draw Near. Before beginning, start with this short "trailer" of what Draw Near is about, why Fred and Kara chose this name, and the goal of this podcast. Let's grow together.