Pizza & Side Hugs

Hosted by Julia Eckrich, Paul Sifuentes, Rachel Gilman, & Jake Teitgen

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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EN-US

About the show

A Catholic Youth Ministry Podcast for anyone leading youth ministry. Whether you're a youth minister, parent, volunteer, priest, or student leader, you'll find this to be a great resource full of joy, experience, fun, and faithfulness.

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60 recent

October 27, 2026Episode 1749 min

Why So Many Youth Ministers Don't Stay (And What You Can Do About It)

In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by youth ministers, including burnout, lack of support, and the importance of trust within their roles. They share personal experiences and insights on why many youth ministers leave their positions, emphasizing the need for better support systems and understanding of expectations. The conversation also touches on managing responsibilities and the significance of finding the right fit for youth ministers within their parishes. The discussion also touches on the significance of realistic compensation and the necessity of building trust and open communication between supervisors and youth ministers. Listen now! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Youth Ministry Challenges 01:08 Personal Experiences of Burnout 07:07 The Importance of Support and Trust 09:52 Understanding Youth Minister Expectations 15:11 Managing Bandwidth and Responsibilities 24:07 Strategies for Retaining Youth Ministers 25:10 Hiring with Intent: Setting Clear Expectations 26:39 The Risks of Rushed Hiring Decisions 27:47 Understanding Youth Minister Needs and Sustainability 28:44 Creating a Supportive Environment for Youth Ministers 30:26 Assessing Fit: Conversations on Sustainability 32:19 Balancing Support and Realism in Ministry 33:45 The Importance of Continuous Development 35:32 Challenging Growth: Future Planning for Youth Ministers 38:32 Compensation: Understanding Pay Structures 40:21 Long-Term Financial Planning for Youth Ministry 43:36 Trusting Your Youth Minister: Building Relationships Links Burnout Episode: https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/18782630-burnout Hiring a Youth Minister episode: https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/16912737-what-to-look-for-in-hiring-a-youth-minister pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

October 13, 2026Episode 1624 min

Entering Into an Existing Ministry

This episode is for anyone stepping into a youth ministry that is already running, and maybe even thriving. The hosts focus on how to learn the culture, build trust, and make wise early decisions without rushing to change everything. It matters because the biggest mistakes in a new role often come from moving too fast before you understand what already exists. Listen now! Chapters 00:00 Podcast intro and setting up the topic of existing ministries 00:54 What it means to jump into a ministry that is already moving 02:07 Start with a posture of listening 03:11 Ask the right questions - budget, programs, attendance, parish context 04:16 Use a supervisor or mentor to organize your questions 06:39 Listen to key volunteers, parents, and long-time parish leaders 08:01 Decide whether to preserve traditions or reset direction 10:39 Learn the history behind beloved ministry practices 11:04 Avoid sounding like a mercenary when asking transition questions 12:03 First meetings should build trust, not make promises 13:47 Early wins matter, but don’t rush major changes 15:42 A cautionary example of wiping out an existing program 18:02 Entering ministry like a missionary - build trust before pushing your own stamp 19:24 Finding where your gifts align with the parish’s current life 20:31 Don’t just “get to know people” - show concrete steps to learn the community 21:09 Don’t forget the kids and teens already in the ministry 22:52 Wrap-up and listener questions pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

September 30, 2026Episode 1520 min

Confirmation Series: Preparing for Confirmation Liturgies

This episode of Pizza & Side Hugs closes out the Confirmation series by focusing on the liturgy itself and how to prepare young people, families, and parish teams for it well. The hosts discuss practical ways to reduce anxiety, clarify roles, and turn rehearsal into a catechetical moment—so the Sacrament is not just organized, but meaningful. They also explore what makes the celebration special, from the bishop's presence to thoughtful takeaways, checklists, and worship aids that help everyone understand what is happening. Listen now! Chapters 00:00 Opening and the final episode in the confirmation series 01:18 The confirmation liturgy as the capstone of preparation 02:37 Why the bishop or archbishop’s presence matters 03:54 Two common celebration setups: parish visit or cathedral gathering 05:05 Starting with diocesan guidelines and the Office of Worship 06:28 Reading The Order of Confirmation before planning 07:41 Preparing candidates to receive—not “earn”—the sacrament 08:40 What rehearsal should cover beyond logistics 09:41 Turning rehearsal into catechesis 10:41 Why an in-person rehearsal helps candidates, parents, and sponsors 11:53 Using saint-name cards and printed responses to ease nerves 12:58 Planning supplies and backups 13:28 Choosing a meaningful confirmation gift or takeaway 14:23 Avoiding comparisons between parish gifts 16:06 Keeping takeaways personal and faith-centered 16:32 Why a confirmation checklist helps 18:04 Coordinating responsibilities in a parish planning meeting 19:06 Including the wider parish and preparing a worship aid 20:29 Wrap-up Links Archdiocese of Indianapolis Confirmation Prep Guidelines: https://files.ecatholic.com/39343/documents/2026/2/Confirmation-Guidelines.pdf?t=1770716753000 Archdiocese of Indianapolis 2025 Confirmation Mass Prep Handbook: https://files.ecatholic.com/39343/documents/2026/2/2025ConfirmationMassPreparationHandbook.pdf?t=1770716775000 Archdiocese of Indianapolis Sacramental/Liturgical Policies: https://files.ecatholic.com/39343/documents/2026/2/SACRAMENTAL%20%20LITURGICAL%20POLICIES%2006%20B.pdf?t=1770718433000 pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

September 15, 2026Episode 1423 min

Confirmation Series: Including Families in Confirmation Prep

In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the importance of including families in the sacramental preparation for confirmation. They explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when engaging parents in the process, emphasizing the need for effective communication, relationship building, and creating meaningful experiences. The conversation highlights the transformative power of family involvement in faith formation and the role of parents as primary catechists. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confirmation and Family Involvement 03:01 The Role of Parents in Confirmation Preparation 06:01 Building Relationships with Parents 08:53 Flexibility and Communication with Parents 12:06 Creating Meaningful Experiences for Families 14:52 Feedback and Continuous Improvement 17:45 Transformative Power of Family Engagement Links "Partner with Parents - Pt. 1" https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/17729095 "Partner with Parents - Pt. 2" https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/17888031 "Partner with Parents - Pt. 3" https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/17965402 pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

September 1, 2026Episode 1321 min

Confirmation Series: The Role of a Confirmation Sponsor

In this episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the significance of Confirmation sponsors in the Catholic Church, exploring their roles, responsibilities, and best practices for selecting and engaging with them. They emphasize the importance of building meaningful relationships between sponsors and candidates, ensuring that sponsors are not just chosen out of obligation, but are individuals who can genuinely support and inspire the candidates in their faith journey. The conversation also touches on the guidelines set by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the need for effective communication and preparation for both sponsors and candidates leading up to the Confirmation liturgy. Listen now! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confirmation and Sponsors 05:06 Understanding the Role of Confirmation Sponsors 08:35 Best Practices for Choosing Sponsors 13:40 Building Relationships with Sponsors 20:11 Conclusion and Next Steps Links "Confirmation Series: Elements of Confirmation Prep" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/19659190 pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

August 17, 2026Episode 1247 min

Confirmation Series: Elements of Confirmation Prep

In this episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts begin their Confirmation series by tackling the subject of Confirmation preparation. The discussion highlights key elements of this Sacramental prep, such as the true purpose and meaning of Confirmation, organization, and connection with families and their youth. The hosts also share memorable Confirmation stories and unusual prep challenges. Listen now! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Confirmation Prep 01:23 Memorable Confirmation Stories 04:50 Unusual Prep Challenges 06:40 The Joy of Confirmation Day 10:10 Confirmation and Pentecost 12:36 Why Confirmation Feels Hard 13:47 It’s Not a Graduation 20:18 Confirmation as Mission Work 21:27 Preaching the Gospel Clearly 23:54 Leading With Hope 25:12 More Than a Checklist 27:35 Going Out to Families 29:09 Don’t Teach Everything at Once 32:07 Mission Needs Organization 35:21 Organization as Pastoral Care 43:20 Diocesan Support and Resources 46:46 What’s Next in the Series Links Confirmation Guidelines for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis: files.ecatholic.com/39343/documents/2026/2/Confirmation-Guidelines.pdf?t=1770716753000 Confirmation Mass Preparation Guidelines for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis: files.ecatholic.com/39343/documents/2026/2/2025ConfirmationMassPreparationHandbook.pdf?t=1770716775000 Archdiocese of Indianapolis Office of Worship: archindy.org/worship Archdiocese of Indianapolis Office of Youth Ministry: archindyym.com Archdiocese of Indianapolis Office of Catechesis: archindy.org/catechesis pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

August 4, 2026Episode 1144 min

Slashers: Navigating Multiple Roles

In this episode of Pizza and Side Hug, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by youth ministers who juggle multiple roles within their ministries. Inspired by a listener's email, they explore how to balance various responsibilities, avoid the comparison trap, and maintain a positive mindset. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of managing multiple roles in ministry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and effective communication with supervisors. They explore the balance between pursuing new ideas and maintaining existing responsibilities, as well as the necessity of letting go of certain projects to allow for growth. Listen now! Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Listener Engagement 02:20 Balancing Multiple Ministries 06:02 Mindset for Slashers in Ministry 08:58 Setting Priorities and Realistic Goals 12:00 Techniques for Managing Multiple Roles 14:50 The Value of Versatility in Ministry 21:56 Focusing on Priorities in Ministry 23:21 Navigating Expectations and Boundaries 24:30 The Art of Saying Yes and No 27:51 Dreams vs. Reality in Ministry 30:45 Letting Go for Growth 34:40 Identifying Unjust Expectations 39:21 Effective Communication with Supervisors Links Working Genius: https://www.workinggenius.com/ "Working Genius" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/19212883 "How to Say No" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/19296875 "Recruiting a Team" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15101244 "Volunteer Onboarding" episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697273/episodes/15643596 pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

July 7, 2026Episode 1053 min

Details That Matter

In this episode of the Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the significance of details in Catholic Youth Ministry. The conversation highlights the balance between big picture thinking and the necessity of focusing on the finer details that can enhance the overall experience for participants. They emphasize the role of checklists and systems in managing details effectively, as well as the impact of these details on the overall quality of ministry. The discussion also highlights the importance of recruiting individuals who excel in detail-oriented tasks to enhance organizational efficiency. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Catholic Youth Ministry Podcast 02:58 The Importance of Details in Youth Ministry 05:15 Personal Experiences with Missing Details 10:35 Big Picture vs. Details in Ministry 12:00 Setting the Scene for Events 15:00 Creating a Welcoming Environment 17:49 Volunteer Engagement and Responsibilities 18:53 The Importance of Communication Before and After Events 21:03 Technology and Event Preparation 24:37 Backup Plans and Contingency Strategies 26:45 The Role of Checklists in Event Planning 30:15 Prioritizing Details in Ministry 34:39 Creating Systems for Detail Management 39:43 Standardizing Event Checklists 44:32 The Impact of Details on Ministry Quality 48:52 Recruiting Detail-Oriented Individuals 51:32 The Role of Details in Effective Ministry Links pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

June 23, 2026Episode 921 min

How to Say Yes

In this episode of Pizza and Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the importance of saying yes in Catholic Youth Ministry. They explore the balance between saying no and yes, emphasizing the need for discernment and trust in the Holy Spirit. The conversation includes examples of successful initiatives that emerged from saying yes, the significance of piloting new ideas, and the role of parent involvement in ministry. The hosts also highlight the importance of communicating the reasons behind their decisions to foster understanding and support within the community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Saying Yes in Ministry 03:12 The Importance of Discernment in Ministry 05:53 Piloting New Ideas and Events 08:49 Building Community Through Upperclassmen Engagement 11:47 Saying Yes to Challenging Ideas 14:59 The Role of Parent Involvement 17:50 Communicating the Reasons Behind Our Yes 21:08 Conclusion and Invitation for Listener Engagement Links Listen to more episodes: https://pizzasidehugs.buzzsprout.com pizzasidehugs@gmail.com

June 9, 2026Episode 825 min

How to Say No

In this episode of Pizza & Side Hugs, the hosts discuss the critical role of saying no in youth ministry. They explore the importance of setting boundaries, understanding personal capacity, and crafting clear missions to avoid burnout. The conversation delves into how to navigate complaints and emotional responses, redirect ideas effectively, and the role of pastors in supporting youth ministers. The episode emphasizes that saying no is not just about rejecting ideas but about maintaining a healthy and sustainable ministry. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Saying No in Youth Ministry 02:54 Understanding Personal Boundaries and Capacity 05:59 Crafting Clear Missions and Goals 08:56 Navigating Complaints and Emotional Responses 12:10 Redirecting Ideas and Encouraging Leadership 22:10 The Role of Pastors in Youth Ministry Links Listen to more episodes of Pizza & Side Hugs: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/697273/episodes pizzasidehugs@gmail.com