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Rita Buettner

Rita Buettner is a wife, working mother and author of the Catholic Review's Open Window blog. She and her husband adopted their two sons from China, and Rita often writes about topics concerning adoption, family and faith.

Rita also writes The Domestic Church, a featured column in the Catholic Review. Her writing has been honored by the Catholic Press Association, the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association and the Associated Church Press.

The sun rises over the ocean

Today could have been the day

January 4, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I hoped everything would be fine, and that the baby would continue to grow and thrive. But, just a few weeks later, we learned the baby had passed away.

Discover a New Year 

December 31, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

We might see this new time in muted sepia tones or we might see it unfolding in vibrant technicolor. However we feel about this new year, we have the chance to begin again. And we hold onto the faith that we are not alone. 

Bowling Three Strikes in a Row

December 29, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

A few days ago, we went bowling with friends. I can’t remember the last time we bowled as a family, and it was so much fun. The dads in the group were the strongest bowlers among the two families, but everyone was fairly laidback. No one was that concerned with winning or competing at a […]

Mosaic shows Our Lady of Guadalupe and saints

5 Faith-related New Year’s Goals

December 29, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Whether you’re setting resolutions or just looking for a way to take intentional steps on your faith journey, here are a few ideas for how to set the stage for a fruitful new year.

Four candles lit on Advent wreath on the altar in a church

Thank you, God, for the Last Minute

December 21, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Still shopping? Not sure what you’re making for Christmas dinner—or who’s hosting? I have good news for you, last-minute friends. This is our time to shine.

Stacks of Old Bay canisters

How about a little Old Bay on your Advent

December 11, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window

In an era where we’re not producing the penny anymore, returning Old Bay to its original metal canister somehow feels reassuring.

The shadow of a crucifix is shown on the wall of a chapel

That’s No Coincidence

December 2, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I never would have thought those two things would happen on the same day.

While you wait 

December 1, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Commentary, The Domestic Church

During this time of preparation for Christmas, Advent offers us a beautiful opportunity to grow in faith while we are waiting.

What’s Your Starter Word (for Advent and for Wordle)

November 30, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Whether we’re playing Wordle or entering Advent, we might not begin the same way every time.

People kneel around St. Therese's relics in the chapel at the Carmelite Monastery

St. Therese’s Little Way in Action

November 25, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I had to trust there was more space than there seemed to be. There must be, since there was a smiling attendant waving us on.

Rutabagas in the grocery store

This Thanksgiving, Please Pass the Rutabaga

November 24, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

To be clear, I wouldn’t describe myself as a rutabaga enthusiast. It’s just that you can’t have Thanksgiving without rutabaga.

Grace times two 

November 24, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

During this season of gratitude, we might offer standard words or new ones to thank God for his many blessings. He is with us at our dinner table, following along with the conversations, enjoying the connections and perhaps marveling at how the little ones are growing and participating in new ways. 

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