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 most important thing I’ll do today

October 22, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Nieces are phenomenal, and seventh birthdays are so special.

Who do you want to be?

October 19, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

You’re never too old to dress up for Halloween, and you’re never too old to consider how God might be asking you to change.

Halloween is coming, pandemic gains, and inflatable praying mantises (7 Quick Takes)

October 16, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Halloween is creeping closer, and I find myself realizing that our trick-or-treating days are over.

Remembering Eric on his anniversary

October 10, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Each year, the anniversary of my brother-in-law Eric’s death hits me a little differently.

The Maryland Catholic Women’s Conference, osso buco, and other highlights from the week (7 Quick Takes)

October 9, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized

~1~ Lately, I have been trying to think of small things that I can do for myself. I don’t mean that I try to be self-centered or treat myself to jewelry and boxes of chocolates. I mean that I am trying to carve out time for things that feed my spirit such as daily Mass […]

This gift is for the birds

October 6, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I could only think of one solution. I asked my father whether he would be willing to build a stand for the cages.

How I became friends with St. Francis

October 3, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Sometimes we invite a new saint into our lives, but sometimes they choose us. That’s what happened with my friendship with St. Francis of Assisi.

Celebrating St. Therese, in-person school thoughts, and Instapot success (7 Quick Takes)

October 1, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

October is starting with beautiful fall weather, just the way Octobers should. October also begins with the Feast of St. Therese of Lisieux.

You have something in common with Justin Tucker

September 28, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Feature, Open Window

Justin Tucker was born to kick—and kick far and accurately. When I see someone so clearly in their element, using talents given to them by God, I find myself thinking about how each person has a vocation.

Highlights from one a-maze-ing week (7 Quick Takes)

September 26, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Saturday was a perfect day for getting lost in a corn maze and spending some time as a family.

On the eve of forever

September 23, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Saying yes to forever requires an amazing leap of love. Living that yes every day requires an even deeper, truer love.

Happy 1st birthday to our baby finches!

September 19, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

This weekend the baby birds are turning 1 year old. It’s impossible and wonderful.