Draw Near

Catholic Mass is beautiful! Absolutely. Heaven meeting earth. The angels join us in offering praise to the Lord. God Himself, our savior and Lord Jesus Christ is fully present. In the Scriptures, in each one of us gathered together, and even more profoundly, in the Eucharist. But... as many of us have heard... or even thought... it can also be boring. Is there shame in admitting that? Have yo...

We are blessed to share that our good friend and frequent guest, Fr Patrick Behm, has joined us as a guest contributor! We will be posting some of his homilies as bonus content, confident that they will provide some great spiritual nourishment! Check out our website (under the blog tab) to find more of his homilies from week to week! We will also have small group questions available for each homil...

What led a "professional heathen" to an encounter with Jesus Christ? How did merely "looking for a church to get married in" lead to a radical conversion that gave way to a quest for the fullness of faith and desire for truth? In this episode Fred tells the story of his "tale of two conversions" and recounts how a desire for a deeper encounter with Christ led him into the Catholic Church. Fred als...

God deeply desires our love, just as he gives his love to us. He draws us to a deeper encounter with Christ through the Eucharist. This is exactly what happened in Kara Kardell's life. From a lukewarm Catholic with every opportunity to leave the Faith to a Catholic in love with God and the Church, tune in to this episode to hear her testimony of how her life was changed one night in Adoration. Who...

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! List...

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 liv...

In this at times humorous, but always heartfelt (and honest) reflection, Fred brings our "Hearing God's Voice" series to a close by sharing some insights from the story of Balaam and his talking... @$$... er... eh... donkey. What can we learn about the Christian life, hearing the Lord's voice and the importance of relationships? Listen to find out! You can read the story of Balaam in: Num 22:22-35...

In this second part of a two part discussion, we are joined by Tim Glemkowski, who is helping to lead the Eucharistic Revival in the United States. In this episode, Tim shares his own profound encounter with Christ in the Eucharist and the very heart and foundation of the national Eucharistic Revival efforts led by the USCCB. Learn more about Tim Glemkowski: https://www.timglemkowski.com/ and the...

In this first part of a two part discussion, we are joined by Tim Glemkowski, who is helping to lead the Eucharistic Revival in the United States. What is the Eucharistic Revival? How did it come about and is it necessary? What does it have to do with the mission and identity of the Church? And, how can the average lay person get involved? These are some of the many questions we seek to answer as...

Why are so many uncomfortable with silence? We live in a world where there is always noise. There's always something to consume. We are never without entertainment. However, God is found in the silence; the still small voice. Why is this both scary and amazing? How can we set aside silence in our lives? The Catholic Gentleman: "The practice of silence for lay people" I See a Movement article refer...

Surprise! We've got some Saturday morning bonus content for you! Fred provides an update on what is coming up in the next week, shares some news, and finally offers a reflection on what it means (well... at least SOME of what it means) to ABIDE! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. Join the Draw Near Community Space on Suscipe.co Click here to become a supporter/patron! "Li...

Episode 1 of My Lord and My God: Doubting Thomas. MLMG is a show on the Eucharist that will make it's way over to be hosted on the Draw Near podcast page, too! Enjoy this additional weekly content, and if you're already a MLMG listener, enjoy these re-runs! In our very first episode, we take some time to reflect on the words of St Thomas, "My Lord and My God." He speaks these words after his famou...

The hosts of Draw Near, Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell, have a second show, My Lord & My God, focused on the Eucharist! This show is based on the words of St. Thomas. Over the next few months, this show will make it's way over to be hosted on the Draw Near podcast page, too! Enjoy this additional weekly content, and if you're already a MLMG listener, enjoy these re-runs! My Lord & My G...

What has this past year held for Fred, Kara, and their families? How has God worked and How has he spoken? I See a Movement vision of Draw Near Click here to become a supporter/patron! "Like" and follow us on Facebook! You can even find us on Twitter. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near " booking page ." Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button...

This episode serves as a companion and follow up to our "Does God Speak to Me?" episode. Here we are joined by Julie Storr, from Lectio the Liturgy. Julie presented at our recent Draw Near Retreat in which the theme was, "Hearing God's Voice." Julie offers some great practical steps for not only hearing the Lord's voice, but also building a lifestyle in which a relationship with God characterized...

This shorty serves as a follow-up to the episode, "Does God Speak to Me?" Here, Kara offers two practical tips for your spiritual life to grow in your ability to hear God's voice and familiarity with his voice. Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. Join the Draw Near Community Space on Suscipe.co Click here to become a supporter/patron! "Like" and follow us on Facebook! You...

We are back!!! In this episode, we reflect on our experiences coming back from our summer "break", unplanned home renovations and being a sheep. In all these things, the Lord was speaking! But what do we mean by the Lord was "speaking?" What does it mean to hear the Lord's voice? Is hearing the Lord's voice something we all can do? What does this have to do with sheep and our identity? These are t...

Revelation Song by Kari Jobe (Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near) We decided to make another cover song available for everyone. For access to MORE bonus content, become a PATRON for as low as $5 a month. Patrons, you will have access to simply by being a patron. To become a Patron, go to: https://www.patreon.com/drawnear Pad incorporated from Worship Tutorials: https://worshiptutorials.com/prod...

The long awaited blooper reel is here! Take a few minutes out of your day to have a good laugh with us; you won't regret it. ;) P.S. Thank you for all your support for the mission of Draw Near! Click here to become a supporter/patron! Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near " booking page ." Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know whe...

We have some exciting news to share with our listeners! We have partnered with our long time ministry colleague and friend Eric Gallagher in forming a ministry apostolate. Phase 1 of this effort, launches on the Feast of Pentecost: May 28, 2023! Much more to come as it is not simply a podcast! Draw Near listeners may recognize that the name sounds familiar. That's because the three of us drew insp...

We have some exciting news to share with our listeners! We have partnered with our long time ministry colleague and friend Eric Gallagher in forming a ministry apostolate. Phase 1 of this effort, launches on the Feast of Pentecost: May 28, 2023! Much more to come as it is not simply a podcast! Draw Near listeners may recognize that the name sounds familiar. That's because the three of us drew insp...

We have some exciting news to share with our listeners! We have partnered with our long time ministry colleague and friend Eric Gallagher in forming a ministry apostolate. Phase 1 of this effort, launches on the Feast of Pentecost: May 28, 2023! Much more to come as it is not simply a podcast! Draw Near listeners may recognize that the name sounds familiar. That's because the three of us drew insp...

We have some exciting news to share with our listeners! We have partnered with our long time ministry colleague and friend Eric Gallagher in forming a ministry apostolate. Phase 1 of this effort, launches on the Feast of Pentecost: May 28, 2023! Much more to come as it is not simply a podcast! Draw Near listeners may recognize that the name sounds familiar. That's because the three of us drew insp...

We have some exciting news to share with our listeners! We have partnered with our long time ministry colleague and friend Eric Gallagher in forming a ministry apostolate. Phase 1 of this effort, launches on the Feast of Pentecost: May 28, 2023! Much more to come as it is not simply a podcast! Draw Near listeners may recognize that the name sounds familiar. That's because the three of us drew insp...

We have some exciting news to share with our listeners! We have partnered with our long time ministry colleague and friend Eric Gallagher in forming a ministry apostolate. Phase 1 of this effort, launches on the Feast of Pentecost: May 28, 2023! Much more to come as it is not simply a podcast! Draw Near listeners may recognize that the name sounds familiar. That's because the three of us drew insp...