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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.

St Rita statue surrounded by red candles

A trip to St. Rita’s Shrine

October 22, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

It was a beautiful day—a day of friendship and prayer, a day of peace and discovery, and a day when we connected more deeply with a saint who is so beloved by so many.

Rays come from the sun in a blue sky

What we see in the sky

October 13, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Whatever you see today, I hope you witness glimpses of beauty and love, kindness and mercy, healing and understanding, possibility and hope.

Soup time 

October 9, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Feature, The Domestic Church

When I was a teen, we all participated in community service while we were preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation. I signed up for several activities, but the one I remember the best was making soup.

clouds dotting a blue sky

Praying for Heaven

October 8, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

My friend’s dear mother was nearing the end of her life, and I had assured her that I would pray.

Relics of St. Bernadette stand on the altar at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore

A Visit to the Relics of St. Bernadette

September 27, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Of course, once I was in line, I was all in. I found myself realizing what a blessing it was that the parking lot was packed and that the line was long.

Bowl of chicken noodle soup

Here comes fall: Time for chicken noodle soup

September 21, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Recipes

There are many chicken noodle soup recipes that are absolutely delicious. This one is a favorite because it’s tasty—but it’s also easy and quick.

Pews in a church with sunlight streaming through the main door at the center

Praying through the noise

September 19, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

We can find God in the peaceful quiet of the world. But he also invites us to connect with him even in the busyness of our day.

Front-row seat

September 16, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Feature, The Domestic Church

We bring our children to Mass. We slide into the front row in hopes it will bring our children closer to God. We pray for them every day. We ask God to help us be everything they need us to be. And they do find their way.

Statue of the Blessed Mother holding Jesus' body after his death

Our mother in joy and sorrow

September 13, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Mary knows the breadth of joy and she knows the depth of sorrow. She understands how to accompany us through life’s joys and sorrows.

Photo of Jeff Nattans

The gift of a smile

September 5, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

If you knew Jeff Nattans, you must remember his smile. He was always pleasant, always upbeat, and always eager to connect with people around him.

Faith wins the crown 

September 2, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Special to the Catholic Review
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Gianna Romero was 18 when she first learned about a scholarship opportunity through Miss Maryland. She saw Miss Bel Air out in the community and was curious about the role.

View of a pool through a fence

The girl on the diving board: A back-to-school reflection

August 30, 2026
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I hope whatever this new school year brings for our young people and their families, they know God is with them. And I hope they find joy in being brave.

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