Welcome.
hey!
MY NAME IS AMANDA AND I'M HERE TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THIS SEASON OF LIFE WHILE FINDING JOY!
Four years ago, you would have found me in Colorado serving in a Diocese on canonical issues and crisis communication planning; I had just returned from Rome, where I met the Holy Father. You would think I would have felt alive and grateful. Instead, I was depleted and exhausted by the complex and challenging topics facing the Church. I was working to pay off my student loans but still seeking avenues to help others in their relationships with God. I thought this reality was the ultimate that God had in store for me, but God had so much more.
I moved home to Ohio from Colorado after resigning from my job, all in unison with COVID-19.
I was hurting for a combination of reasons, including the isolation brought on by the pandemic, but others were hurting, too. How did God want to heal me? How was He asking me to serve at a time when our diocesan and parish communities couldn't be together? God asked me to stop focusing on my needs, to look up, and to focus on ‘the other.’ He was inviting me to come out of myself and respond to a need that was evident even more so in this time of history due to the intensified isolation that came with the pandemic: accompaniment and relationship.
At 33, with the incredible generosity of family and friends, I invested in a website that created an entire spiritual direction ministry platform. I offered myself as a spiritual director to Catholic women. That single leap has resulted in journeying with hundreds of women. Since starting this ministry in 2020, I have received a certificate in spiritual direction and walk with women daily by pointing them to God and His unique invitations for them.
I HAVEN’T ALWAYS BEEN A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR: THE ACHE, THE CALL, THE FORMATION…
I am a certified Catholic spiritual director, licensed canon lawyer, and disciple of Jesus Christ. I am acutely aware of your great dignity, which our loving God has given to you.
I’m Amanda Zurface, a farm girl from Ohio!
I accompany women in deepening their love for God and the Catholic Church.
in the here and now…
The Church's sacramental life is essential to our growth, healing, and holiness.
And, I am just gonna put it out there. Pornography and masturbation are holding back generations from living a life fully alive with Christ. I am not afraid of this topic. So that you know, it comes up in about half of spiritual direction sessions. I am here to accompany you in a life of chastity. It is a life of joy!
If you're new around here, you'll learn quickly that I am all about exposing lies and revealing the truth. I can't wait to be an instrument for God to show you how beautiful you are and that your worth is in Him.
Building women up and shouting from the rooftop their unique and unrepeatable design bestowed on them by God.
Dignity of the Human Person
what I’m passionate about…
Inviting women to live lives of integrity and authenticity while embracing the profound Joy that accompanies aligning their wills with God's will.
Leading through Serving
Bringing Saint Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body to life so we can live it out in all our relationships and encounters.
Theology of the Body
Continuously cultivating love, health, generosity, and gratitude, while seeking the presence of God in all people and every aspect of life.
Growth
When a Catholic priest ministered to my family after a traumatic death of a loved one.
1. WHEN DID I FIRST HAVE AN AWARENESS OF GOD?
Amanda's Spiritual Life Map
We all have a sacred story….
All of the above. Also, what I considered failures and weaknesses turned out to be opportunities for God to work wonders.
a. Family and Friends
b. Parish Priest
c. Little Moments
d. The Sacraments
e. Other
2. WHEN LOOKING BACK AT MY LIFE WHERE DO I RECOGNIZE GOD’S PRESENCE?
I also see that God has spoken to me in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Spiritual Direction, providential encounters, something I read, God’s voice in the silence, counseling, spending time in nature, etc.
a. Through Others
b. Material Gifts
c. Moments of Faithfulness
d. Seasons of Habitual Sin
e. All of the above
3. WHEN LOOKING BACK AT MY LIFE WHERE DO I SEE GOD HAS SPOKEN TO ME?
Also, retreats with the Sisters of Life, as well as stateside and international pilgrimages. I’m still seeking God’s will for me regarding my big “V” Vocation. I do not have children. However, I know the birth of my nephew brought me significantly closer to God. I have experienced challenging times with my family, at work, serving with Church leaders, and accompanying women in their relationships with God. It all calls me onward!
a. Finding My Vocation
b. Having Children
c. A Retreat and/or Pilgrimage
d. Financial Hardship / Freedom
e. All of the above
4. WHAT EVENTS HAVE DEEPENED MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
God invites me to engage in daily conversation with Him through prayer. He fills me with Himself in the Eucharist. He provides me with faith-filled fellowship and relationships. He nudges me towards daily conversion to grow in deeper intimacy with Him and to love others more fully.
5. HOW HAS GOD INVITED ME INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM?
a. Lectio Divina
b. The Daily Examen
c. Eucharistic Adoration
d. Spiritual Direction
e. All of the above
6. WHAT EVENTS HAVE DEEPENED MY RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?
your
at last it's time to dive into
sacred story
During my formative years, I learned to communicate with God through prayer, spent time with Him in Eucharistic Adoration, and understood the significance of regularly confessing my sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I spent my early years learning from mentors and embracing guidance from others. This experience began my openness to and comfort with direction and accompaniment from others. I engaged in service, participated in sports, and navigated life's challenges, including two fender benders within two days and being let go from my job at the local gas station (which I can laugh about now!). I also confronted a learning disability, which required me to put more effort and time into my studies compared to my peers.
Under the guidance of our parish priest, I became aware of the urgent need for priests and their crucial role in administering the Sacraments, as well as their equally important role as spiritual fathers for all of us.
Although I attended a Catholic high school, I yearned for a deeper connection with my Catholic faith. This desire led me to explore avenues like RCIA and the Diocesan Youth Council, where I eagerly assimilated lessons, engaged in service, and found numerous reasons to embrace the Catholic faith.
Growing up on a farm profoundly shaped my life, instilling in me the importance of family. Despite our challenges, I learned early on that family is the foundation of everything. The words of Saint Pope John Paul II, "As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live," deeply resonate with me.
My mother taught me the rich traditions of the Catholic faith, and my father, a very gentle man, showed me the heart of God the Father.
I was a part of a supportive parish community that significantly shaped my high school experience. Through engaging in community life, I drew closer to God by attending Mass and serving in various roles within the diocese and parish.
1987-2005
I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies in Theology and Canon Law in the United States, Italy, and Canada. The journey was challenging and required sacrifices, but it provided me with a valuable experience that helped me understand God's will and seek His purpose for my life. My goal was to be active in the Church and contribute through my studies and service. As Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton said, "Be children of the Church."
Many people asked me why I chose to study Canon Law. At first, I had no idea what Canon Law even was. When I inquired about it at a university, I spelled it with two "n's" like the word "cannonball." The rector emailed me back and advised me to learn how to spell it properly before I started studying it. Despite this, I was determined to serve the Church and believed that in order to do so effectively, I needed to understand how she functioned. Additionally, my encounters with Canon Lawyers played a role in confirming God's plan for me to pursue this path. These canon lawyers became my first formal experience of spiritual direction, guiding me in my relationship with Christ and discerning His will for my life. Their mentorship was instrumental in shaping my vocational path.
Studying abroad presented its challenges, including being away from my family, incurring a significant amount of student loan debt, and struggling with studying a foreign language. However, I still considered this season as a time of being "set upon a mountaintop."
During my studies, I interned at Caritas Internationalis in Rome, Italy, and at the Holy See Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Although I initially dreamed of becoming a diplomat at the United Nations, I soon realized that progress couldn't be made without a common understanding of God, the dignity and right to life of every human being, and what it means to be a man and woman according to God's design. So, I pursued a path that allowed me to share Saint Pope John Paul's "Theology of the Body."
2005-2014
My first official job for the Church was in a "missionary diocese," a small community that was geographically large but financially poor. I worked with a fantastic team dedicated to evangelizing and supporting marriages and families. During this time, I made unique and life-giving friendships that showed me God's love. He taught me that my self-worth did not come from what I could do but because He made me good and worthy. (Psst... Do you need to sit with that last line personally?)
Unfortunately, this period came to an end when the Bishop failed to observe norms when presented with allegations of sexual abuse involving clergy of the Diocese. It was a painful time, but God threw what a friend refers to as a "lifeboat," and I began working for a company that helps support those struggling with pornography addiction. I did this work while serving in another Diocese during a statewide attorney general investigation. If you ever thought working for the Church was dull, it's not! Because of my experiences, my ministry is especially for those negatively impacted by leaders in the Church.
I have also supported those seeking annulments, journeying through marriage preparation, and offering "Theology of the Body" formation. I take Saint Pope John Paul II's advice seriously: "Your first duty [...] is not projects and organizations, but to lead [...] people to a deep intimacy with the Trinity."
Throughout these experiences, I was blessed to have a spiritual director guiding me and directing my gaze to God. My spiritual director's support was instrumental in helping me navigate God's overall designs and ongoing invitations to grow deeper in our vocations to love. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: “Then, overcome by joy, I cried, 'Jesus, my love. At last, I have found my vocation. My vocation is love. In the heart of the Church, my mother, I will be love, and then I will be all things.”
Now, for the juicy stuff... Yes, I'm currently single. Why? That's still for God to reveal. Full disclosure: I have applied to be a religious sister. What happened? I take medication for anxiety, and I have a considerable amount of student loan debt. I have written about some of this in blogs and weekly emails and plan to continue sharing more. Stay tuned.
I live in rural Ohio, close to my family, including my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. I adore my nephew and love being close to my family. I'm grateful for the opportunity it provides to grow in love each and every day and see how much I still need to grow, but I also thank God for how far I've come.
2014-2024
My story (and your story!) matter to God and His purpose for us...
Emily
I had been looking for a spiritual director for about four years when I found Amanda online. She is so genuine, so authentic, has such a beautiful and insightful heart, and is most certainly in cahoots with the Holy Spirit. These last few months since I began Spiritual Direction have been full of so much growth.
"Spiritual Direction with Amanda has been one of the most life-giving experiences I’ve ever had."
Maria
When I saw her page, I had just felt the nudge to seek joy in my life this year. And then I saw her introduction post where she talks about her passion for helping with the pursuit of joy. I feel like her guide aptly titled “Practical Ways to Obtain Joy” is something I truly need.
"I really feel like finding Amanda on Facebook has been a godsend."
Olivia
When I first started chatting with Amanda I felt like I had found a long lost sister! Spiritual direction and canon law consultation with Amanda will undoubtedly be a great blessing in your life. Amanda’s love of the Church and love for others makes talking to Amanda one of the easiest, most natural conversations you may ever have!
"Amanda has a palpable love of the Church that translates into an authentic love of others — that is truly Christlike!"
Christine
Reaching out to Amanda was life-changing. My husband and I had some canon-law questions about our marriage and she willingly became our advocate with kindness and concern for our situation. Thanks to her, we will soon be celebrating our convalidation in the Church! She has been a huge blessing in walking this process with us, in ways that some other church leaders (unfortunately) have not. Amanda is so personable and loving in her work and talking to her is always a delight.
"Amanda's knowledge and spiritual direction has brought peace into my life and helped me learn how to find the joy that God desires us to have."
Amy
The conversations allow me to process my thoughts with someone who truly cares for my growth in holiness, allowing me to truly move forward in a new direction rather than ruminating on whether I'm making the right choice or if I'm being reasonable.
"I've really enjoyed talking with Amanda and getting her perspective on things."
Jessica
When I meet with Amanda, her guidance grounds me in my Catholic faith. The way she allows herself to be an instrument to our Lord, is truly inspiring. Her calm, convicting voice and determination to guide me along in my Catholic faith has been so inspiring. I have learned so much about the Lord's love through her expertise. She helps me see the Lord's love uniquely in my life, which I could not do on my own before.
"I am so grateful to have Amanda as a part of my journey."
Cate
She often confirms things that have come up in prayer before I even mention them. She helps me to process what's going on in my spiritual life while fully respecting who I am and where the Lord has me. I feel very free in our sessions, and that's refreshing.
"Journeying with Amanda has been a gift! She listens well, has great insight, and is always encouraging."
Carly
She helps me to recognize what I do well, and she encourages me in the places where I hope to improve. Since working with her, I have grown in humility, trust of the Lord, and reliance on the Word. Amanda is wonderful, and I'm so glad we've connected.
"Working with Amanda was so life-giving, and my time with her is always two things: affirming and encouraging."
Rita
Working with Amanda has been so fruitful. Her love of the Catholic faith radiates in the joy that she provides in Spiritual Direction. Amanda runs the race and pushes me along the way in the journey of my faith.
Having another female as a spiritual director is a great blessing in my life; she has given me great insight and kept me accountable with prayer.
Grace
My experience of spiritual direction with Amanda has been fun, uplifting, and peaceful. Through our time together, I feel that I am better able to understand the ways in which the Lord speaks to me and how He acts in my life. I am very thankful to have found such a caring, joy-filled spiritual director!"
"In our sessions, the Lord consistently speaks truth through Amanda, and it is always exactly what I need to hear!"
