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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.

Signs of Advent and finding joy and hope in the wait (7 Quick Takes)

December 4, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window

~1~ I bought Advent calendars for both of our boys on Sunday. One of my sons ate all of his chocolates that day. That’s one way to do Advent, trying to hurry things along, rather than savoring the sweetness of each day. I can absolutely understand that impatience—and that love for chocolate. Many years that’s […]

God is enough this Advent season

December 2, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Advent, Christmas, Commentary, The Domestic Church

Being near the people we love is always reassuring, bringing comfort and peace. It’s not even what they say or do that makes us feel better. There’s something about their presence that helps us feel loved, accepted and safe.

Nothing is impossible this Advent

November 30, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Christmas, Commentary, Open Window

What does God hope for us this Advent season?

Thanksgiving leftovers might be the best part (7 Quick Takes)

November 27, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Low expectations are often the secret to holiday survival, and we certainly had appropriate expectations heading into this Thanksgiving.

A different kind of Thanksgiving

November 23, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Commentary, Open Window

A person can be grateful for all they have without having everything and everyone they love within sight and reach.

Photo-shoot dreams, dragons, beef stew, and more (7 Quick Takes)

November 20, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized

Last night I looked at my calendar for today and realized I had signed the boys up for a photo shoot outside our elementary school.

An Ode to Thanksgiving’s Finest, Sauerkraut

November 17, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

What is Thanksgiving dinner without sauerkraut?

A pandemic pet update, rutabaga, a free pulse oximeter, and more (7 Quick Takes)

November 13, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

We have been waiting to see whether our baby finches are male or female to decide on their names.

Reaching into the treasury of our memories

November 9, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

It’s sad to lose people you love, but the stories make me smile.

Treats, hope, and lentil-sausage soup (7 Quick Takes)

November 7, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Recipes

Was Halloween just last weekend?

What is heaven like?

November 4, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

Heaven, in my mind, is a gathering place, a place where you are truly together – with God and with those you love.

Everyone wants a piece of the pie

November 2, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Not much is as American as apple pie—unless it’s making apple pie and eating it on Election Day while watching the results come in.

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