I’m probably most well known as a canon lawyer and Catholic writer. Here on my website, though, you can find everything from travel advice, prayer guides, book recommendations, spiritual direction, workouts, garden tips, food and drink recipes, and the opportunity to partner with me on things that are important to you. 

I travel like it’s going out of style, read and write like it’s my job (well, it actually is my job), and I am convicted every day should begin and end with prayer. 

I live in Ohio farm country between Cleveland and Columbus. I am surrounded by farm and lake life (the best of two worlds!), but town is just a stone’s throw away. I can wake up with a cortado and end the day with wine tasting. Just how life should be, I think!

and I’m a country girl!

I’m Amanda Zurface, 

Here on the website you’ll discover entirely free content. I hope you find it helpful, and I hope you’ll check out my social feeds. 

I want you to know true and authentic joy!

My hope for this site is the same as my hope for those closest to me… 

As seen on

I want to help you show up with a strong faith that spreads joy, creativity, life, and most of all love! Because we know…life can be really hard. What a consolation it is to know we have one another and that God truly desires our good! 

I am here to help you learn from this season of life, and give you tools to live each day generously and to the fullest.

you are unique and unrepeatable. 

Above all, please remember this...

• Catholic Content Specialist
• Vice-Chancellor
• Canonical Advocate
• Defender of the Bond
• Director of Faith Formation
• Catechist 
• Coordinator of Marriage, Family Life & Justice
• Intern at the Holy See Mission to the United Nations Geneva
• Intern at Caritas Internationalis Rome Secretariat

Current and previous roles in the church

I earned my Licentiate of Canon Law from Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada, after completing two years of my canonical studies at The Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum), Rome, Italy. I hold degrees in Theology and Social Justice from Ohio Dominican University, Columbus, Ohio. I am currently enrolled in the Divine Mercy University, Sterling, Virginia, Spiritual Direction Certificate Program. 

Peruse the Credentials 

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. And if that wasn’t enough then comes her post about her upcoming ebook. I feel like her book aptly titled “Seeking 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 cannon-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.  If you’re thinking of reaching out to Amanda, don’t hesitate!

"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."

Claire

Amanda is so in tune with the Holy Spirit. Our meetings so far have left me with great hope that I can grow in Holiness and experience more freedom in my life. She directs me even through follow up emails, going above and beyond.

"Amanda's a gem and I am so blessed to have found her!"

Molly

She is kind, patient, encouraging, and always meets me where I'm at. If you get the opportunity to meet with Amanda, you will surely see the heart of Jesus within her.

"Amanda is the best spiritual director I've had!"

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, 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 be 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!"

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Here’s What Can Happen If You Take Time for Spiritual Direction

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