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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.

Pope Francis rides by a crowd outside Catholic University in 2015

5 Lessons Pope Francis Taught Us

April 22, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Remembering Pope Francis

​Weeks ago, when it became clear that Pope Francis’ health was failing, I thought I had come to terms with the possibility of him passing away. When I woke up to the news that he had died, however, I realized I wasn’t prepared at all. Yes, we knew he was elderly and battling double pneumonia. […]

Welcome home

April 16, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Easter, The Domestic Church

The miracle of Easter shows that anything and everything is possible for God, and that even death does not have the final word.

The story of the melted bunnies

April 15, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window

Weeks and weeks ago, I was walking down the seasonal aisle at the grocery store when I stopped to look at the Easter candy. I spotted chocolate bunnies who were posed as if they were taking selfies. I thought of my niece in college several states to the north. I knew she would be amused. […]

White female zebra finch with orange beak stands on seeded perch by a mirror in a cage

For Our Little Bird Hermione

April 11, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

This weekend, we said goodbye to one of our little zebra finches, Hermione.

Surprise! It’s a…giraffe!

April 7, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

A baby giraffe. A new little—well, not so little—life in the world. It was just the spark of joy this gray April day needed.

steps and a sidewalk decorated in colored chalk by children

All that we offer

April 2, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window

When I make beef vegetable soup, I am incapable of making the right amount for our family of four. We always end up with extra. So, after I made a pot of soup this week, I texted my sister to see if she’d like some for her, her husband, and their six children. Treasa wrote […]

A chocolate cake with white frosting is sliced so you can see the blue frosting inside

A gender reveal party and the Annunciation

March 25, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

As the lunch came to a close, she brought out the gender reveal cake. I have never been to a gender reveal party, but I love any reason to celebrate a new little one.

Plates of hosts and a carafe of wine on a table

The people who bring Jesus to us

March 24, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window

I smiled the whole way back to my seat. After Mass, we chatted about how wonderful it was that I had been able to receive the Eucharist from him. What an unexpected surprise and delight.

Stained glass window showing Jesus as the Good Shepherd, holding a lamb

An Unforgettable Lesson

March 16, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window

Children will forget things at home—the trumpet, the lunch, the math homework, or water bottle. Sometimes you can’t fix it. But sometimes you can—and you will.

Image of two buttons on a red winter coat

Button up this Lent

March 10, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

The other day, I realized I was running ahead of schedule on my way to school pick-up, so I stopped for gas. I slid the pump into the side of the car and then took a quick walk around the car. Dozens of years ago, my father told me that was a good idea, so […]

What’s for dinner?

March 6, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Special to the Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Lent, The Domestic Church

May Lent offer you the opportunity to experience Jesus’ love in a new way. And, as you walk your Lenten journey, know that this season can offer a time to grow closer to God without lentils – unless you personally happen to see them as a sign of Jesus’ love for you.

Morning sky with purples and blues and pinks

Question on a busy morning

March 2, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I was rinsing dishes in the sink when my younger son—who’s 15—came into the kitchen. “So, what will it be like when we go to college?” he said. “Will you miss us?”

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