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.

A last taste of Christmas and a little rhyming fun (7 Quick Takes)

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

Sharing a few highlights from our week in poetry form

A different kind of Epiphany

January 7, 2021
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I can’t accept cavalier disrespect directed toward our democracy. I feel angry, sad, and betrayed. The world feels upside-down.

Happy New Year, a small resolution, Starburst flavors, and more (7 Quick Takes)

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

Happy New Year! How did you celebrate the arrival of 2021?

Thank you, God, for a new year

December 29, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Christmas, Commentary, The Domestic Church

Thank you for today, God, and for tomorrow – the days ahead we have yet to unwrap and discover.

A word and a saint for your New Year

December 28, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Saints

So, I am not making any specific New Year’s resolutions. But I love choosing an inspirational word of the year and a saint of the year.

Following the Star

December 28, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

We don’t need a star to guide us to Jesus. But I like to think of how God leaves little invitations to draw us closer to Him everywhere we turn.

7 mini-stories about Christmas presents (7 Quick Takes)

December 26, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Here’s a glimpse into seven gifts from our Christmas.

Home for the holidays

December 21, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I’ve been feeling sad that we won’t get to spend time with family the way we normally would. But I’m trying to remember that changes in plans don’t always end in disappointment.