Meet Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett: Catholic Author, Speaker, and Guide for Spiritual Growth
Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett is the author of Daughter by Design: Discovering Your Identity as God’s Beloved Daughter (2022) and the co-author of Discernment of Spirits for Beginners: Learning to Hear God and Defeat the Lies of the Enemy (2025). Through her writing, Mary Ruth helps readers deepen their relationship with God, understand their spiritual identity, and navigate the interior life with confidence.
Books for Women, Teens, and Young Adults Seeking Spiritual Clarity
While Daughter by Design speaks primarily to adult women eager to embrace their identity as beloved daughters of God, her newest book (co-authored with Dan Burke) is written for teens and young adults who want to better understand spiritual discernment.
Mary Ruth and Dan first connected in 2023 when Dan and his wife Stephanie interviewed Mary Ruth on Divine Intimacy radio (below). That conversation sparked a collaboration that ultimately led to the publication of Discernment of Spirits for Beginners from Sophia Press in November 2025.
Blending Faith, Science, and Real-Life Experience
Dr. Hackett’s books reflect her passion for guiding readers toward spiritual maturity and emotional clarity. Drawing from her background in developmental science, her experiences in family life, and the rich wisdom of Scripture and the saints, she offers a balanced and accessible approach to Catholic spiritual formation.
Each book includes thoughtful reflection questions designed to draw readers into a deeper, more personal encounter with the material. These prompts encourage prayer, introspection, and meaningful application of spiritual truths.
Why Readers Connect with Her Work
- Clear, relatable storytelling
- Practical guidance rooted in Catholic tradition
- Insights grounded in psychology and human development
- Reflection questions that support prayer and personal growth
Dr. Mary Ruth Hackett’s writing invites readers of all ages to grow in self-knowledge, strengthen their relationship with God, and confidently discern His voice in their everyday lives. For more on Dr. Mary Ruth check out the about page here.