What I have done and what I have failed to do March 23, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I’m on a quest to attend 226 Masses during 2026. So, back at the end of January, I decided to try to go to Mass every day of February. February is the shortest month, so I thought maybe I would have a chance at hitting that goal. But going every day is a real challenge […]
Being here March 18, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, Lent, The Domestic Church During Lent, God offers us a special invitation to recognize his presence in our lives. We can add prayer time or take on more works of charity or give in numerous ways. And maybe we can simply prioritize time with God, listening to him and looking for his fingerprints on our lives.
A Sacred Transformation (or a visit to a hospital chapel) March 15, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window I was looking around, wondering whether the Mass would be offered in a different space, when a man passed me pushing a rolling cart.
More than a Cup of Coffee (and accepting Lenten interruptions) March 7, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window As we were walking, I saw a man who looked like he was on his way to work. He was carrying a paper coffee cup—a beacon to me on my hunt for coffee.
That Takes the Diaper Cake February 28, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window When a colleague reached out to invite me to a baby shower, I started thinking about whether I had time to make a diaper cake.
Today is a good day to begin again February 22, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window Lent isn’t about winning. It’s about taking small steps that we hope lead to big ones. If we’re doing this right, Lent will not be easy. But we are trying.
An Amelia Bedelia moment and setting Lenten goals February 15, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window So, dinner was a little bumpy. But then my sister pulled out a pan of fresh apple crisp—still warm from the oven—for dessert.
What a surprise February 12, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church Even with our best plans, life is full of surprises. Whether they bring joy or sorrow, pleasure or pain, light or darkness, they offer us an opportunity to grow in love and relationship with God and others who walk life’s journey with us.
Dear Fans of Winter… February 8, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Dear People Who Love Winter, Just checking in here. See all that ice and snow? Yeah, that snowcrete that is our permanent backdrop now? The stuff we have children sliding all over trying to catch the bus or walk to school? Yup, that. It’s hard to miss. I will admit that it’s lovely and shiny […]
New Moms: Someone is praying for you January 30, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window In the middle of the night, a mother caring for her child is not alone. A convent of nuns wakes up during the night just to pray for new mothers.
Happy 80th Birthday, Dolly! January 18, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Although few of us will ever sing at the Grand Ole Opry, may each of us find a way to use the talents God has given us.
We can help make the impossible possible January 16, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Anyone along the way could have said, “No.” “Not today.” “Why should we bother?” But people said yes,
