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.

My birthday festivities, a painting project, and spaghetti pizza for lunch (7 Quick Takes)

July 30, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

My mother made me a hot milk sponge cake with Aunt Alice’s chocolate frosting, and she put two pie birds on the top in honor of our pet finches.

Just by showing up

July 27, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

A few weeks ago, a jury summons came in the mail.

Texting with kids, Mr. Trash Wheel, and what’s in my Instapot (7 Quick Takes)

July 23, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

One night this week, our older son went to the double feature at Bengie’s Drive-in Theatre with friends. Since there were just three of us, we decided to go out to dinner.

Do you take pictures of your food?

July 21, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Some people, it turns out, don’t feel the need to photograph their food before eating it—even if they’re in Italy. And that’s fine.

A smiling pie, a summer reward, self-checkouts, and more (7 Quick Takes)

July 16, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

In the busyness of summer, I haven’t written 7 Quick Takes in a few weeks, so I hope you enjoy these! ~1~ My friend Olivia came to dinner this week, so I made an apple pie. You never need a reason to bake a pie, but having a friend over is special, especially when you […]

The Rainbow After the Storm

July 12, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

But at the end, even when the storm leaves damage and destruction, there is quiet and stillness. There is hope and peace and a promise of tomorrow.

Rise and shine and pass out the animal crackers

July 11, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, Feature, The Domestic Church

We shared the Catholic faith with youngsters and learned how to capture their attention and help bring Bible stories to life.

Skating through life

July 6, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I walked to the counter and paid to rent a pair of skates and put them on.

Pretzels, treats and reflections during a staycation (7 Quick Takes)

July 2, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I took this past week off from work for a sort of staycation with my boys.

When life gives you lemons, serve ice cream cake

July 1, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Sometimes when life gives you lemons, you push them down the garbage disposal and make your own fun.

The Tale of a Trumpet

June 28, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

One of the most wonderful gifts of being a parent is watching your children discover their passions and then pour themselves into them.

Who’s ready for a summer party?

June 22, 2022
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Outdoor parties are one of my favorite things to come out of the pandemic.