Today could have been the day January 4, 2026By 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, 2025By 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, 2025By 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 […]
5 Faith-related New Year’s Goals December 29, 2025By 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.
Thank you, God, for the Last Minute December 21, 2025By 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.
How about a little Old Bay on your Advent December 11, 2025By 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.
That’s No Coincidence December 2, 2025By 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, 2025By 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, 2025By 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.
St. Therese’s Little Way in Action November 25, 2025By 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.
This Thanksgiving, Please Pass the Rutabaga November 24, 2025By 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, 2025By 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.