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.

Praying for a baby on the way

August 16, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized

Praying the Rosary on your own is a beautiful experience. But praying the Rosary in a group setting, gathered around a mother-to-be, knowing a new little life is growing inside her, is extraordinarily powerful.

Transfiguration moments for parents

August 6, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

On the Feast of Transfiguration, I’ve been reflecting on the transfiguration moments in my own life, when I look at our children and see God at work within them.

My First Real Job

August 4, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

As a recent college graduate, I was excited and nervous, and maybe even scared to move to a new place where I didn’t know anyone. But I wanted to give journalism a try, and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Get to know St. Ignatius a little better

July 31, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Getting to know Ignatius—or any saint—a little better can help us as we walk our own faith journeys.

A Little Birthday Reflection

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

Yesterday was my birthday. It wasn’t a special milestone, but every birthday feels significant to me. And every birthday offers a chance to pause and reflect on who I am, why I’m here, and how blessed I am.

Painting, sister outings, a diaper cake, and pre-birthday fun (7 Quick Takes)

July 22, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized

When the children are younger, you struggle with how to display their artwork because it’s all so personal and sweet. Then when they get older, it can be even harder to know what to do because their work is so beautiful.

Go ahead. Have ice cream for breakfast.

July 16, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, Open Window

Maybe this is not your parenting approach. You do what works for you. I’ll be over here watching a happy child lick his spoon.

Thank you, Father Joe

July 13, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I’ve long admired Father Joe Breighner’s work.

An Adventure in the Kitchen

July 13, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

There wasn’t quite enough for another double-crusted pie, but I could maybe make a tart.

Sink or swim

July 5, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

God is waiting patiently for each of us, loving us right where we are, recognizing that our path is uniquely our own.

Robotics camp, cousin time, an Orioles game, and a bari sax (7 Quick Takes)

July 3, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Our boys have been participating in a robotics camp—one as a counselor and one as a participant. I had the chance to visit the camp briefly for a competition, and I was struck by how amazing it is to see your child move into that kind of leadership role.

“Are You Catholic?”

July 2, 2023
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Was I wearing a crucifix? Had a rosary slipped out of my purse? Then I realized she was looking at the reusable grocery bags I had brought along.