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.

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.

It’s all gravy when it comes to giving thanks

November 20, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

During this season of gratitude, may you see God’s hand in the greatest joys of your life and know that he was also with you in the challenging times.

A glimpse into a father’s love

November 9, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I always love watching the children approach the altar for a blessing on their way to learn about God during the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.

Praying for souls, autumn thoughts, a rosary and a reunion (7 Quick Takes)

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

~1~ During this month when we pray for All Souls, one of my favorite traditions is filling our prayer basket with the names of loved ones who have died. Every day we pull a name and pray for that person (or people, in some cases) that day. I didn’t have a chance to fill the […]

How Georgie changed my life

October 30, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary

Even though we never knew him personally though, Georgie is so important to me—and to our family.

Learning about saints at Sunday School

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

With everything I have going on this fall, I wasn’t looking for anything else to do. Sometimes I have an idea, though, and I just can’t shake it. That’s how I felt when I first thought about volunteering to teach faith formation at our parish. I haven’t taught Sunday School since the year the pandemic […]