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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 saint you need for January

January 13, 2024
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

In the dreariness of January, we might be feeling kind of meh. Well, it turns out there’s a saint for that.

Guide us to thy perfect light

January 6, 2024
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Some days we might be like the shepherd in the fields, meeting God unexpectedly without warning. Other days we might be more like the wise men, following a star, looking for God and answering his invitation to be with him.

Head into the adventure of the New Year

December 29, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

As we prepare to begin a new year, I know that the days might not seem all that different on the other side of midnight on January 1. But they also await us with wonder, holding new opportunities and new discoveries.

Christmas gifts and memories in the making (7 Quick Takes)

December 28, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Commentary, Open Window

What a whirlwind Christmas is every year! When our children were younger, I felt more pressure to make sure Christmas was magical. Celebrating Christmas with teens means this season is still magical, but in a different way.

The missing apple

December 28, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

God will give us our daily bread. He will ensure that we are not alone, and that we are equipped with the faith and the strength for whatever we might face.

No room at the inn but joy abounds

December 20, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window

When we got off the plane, we found out a snowstorm had canceled all the flights to the East Coast.

Power of presence

December 11, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Commentary, The Domestic Church

This Advent and Christmas season, the time is right for us to rediscover that familiar story and experience God’s presence in a new way, knowing we are exactly where we need to be.

So, this is Advent

December 10, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window

That day when I had that sudden thought, the child who would become our younger son was newly born and not far away. Only God could have known that.

A new baby for Advent

December 7, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window

There is nothing like that wait for the baby to arrive, especially in those final hours before the birth.

A masterpiece on my windshield

November 27, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I went outside, slipped into the driver’s seat, and glanced up to discover that the windshield was covered. Instead of the frost I’m used to seeing, however, the glass was enveloped in a beautiful, delicate pattern of ice.

Thanksgiving Food Stories (7 Quick Tastes)

November 24, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Sometimes when we’re planning the Thanksgiving menu, someone will say, “But of course, it’s not about the food.” It’s about being together. Yes, yes, naturally. But the food stories tell us so much about the traditions and the people we love.

A rose from St. Therese: A story from a salon owner

November 21, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

The story I want to share with you today features one of my favorite saints, St. Therese of Lisieux who was born 150 years ago this year. This story comes from Shaela Blanchard, who lives in Colorado. Shaela is a stay-at-home mother of three little ones—11, 3, and 8 months. She is also a business owner.

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