Hi, I’m Sarah Hansman!

A budding Catholic theologian seeking to do my part in a world that can feel overwhelming. Whether preaching, writing, or running retreats and workshops, I am committed to speaking with a prophetic voice and fostering community.

Why have this site?

What can an expansive faith and vibrant community feel like? Reflecting on my religious upbringing, I’m frustrated by the gap between life-giving theology and what reaches the pews. I believe everyone deserves a community where they can be fully themselves, free from shame, and grow through shared questioning and learning.

In my preaching, writing, and ministry, I aim to bridge this gap, focusing on LGBTQ+ and gender justice, Jesuit spirituality, the US carceral system, shame, and authentic leadership. I work with diverse audiences, from high school students to professionals. Academically, I am beginning doctoral studies next year to focus on sex and gender in Catholic contexts, asking how an expansive imagination can enable agency and human flourishing.

If you’re interested in workshops on LGBTQ+ justice, reimagining parish engagement, education on mass incarceration, retreats on authenticity, or something else, I’d be glad to collaborate on your project. Let’s work together to empower communities and advance meaningful discussions.

  • “Sarah's honesty, openness, style of sharing created an atmosphere of being together to learn and grow. She freed people up to ask questions and be with the experience at hand reverently and compassionately. She set health guidelines and comfortableness in journey together about the various questions that surfaced. Gifted soul. I wish our world could model her style on other diverse concerns and hold them well. Brave and courageous to continue to invite our church and world to come together peacefully.”

    – A Catholic Sister who partook in Sarah’s workshop on Catholicism, Justice, and LGBTQ+ Community.

  • "Sarah thanks for your sharing...'patience means doing the work and not giving up'...and that God's reign of peace, justice and righteousness does not come on its own - but through our faithfulness...and not solitary actions but in community. Keep raising your voice. Our beautiful and deeply flawed Church needs it. As an African-American Catholic, I totally resonate with your truth."

    - A response to Sarah’s preaching on “Catholic Women Preach”

  • "Sarah’s presence, especially her openness, created a genuine sense of engagement that made real conversation possible. Personally, I experienced a sense of freedom among us during the meeting."

    - Feedback on a LGBTQ+ Workshop run by Sarah