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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.

A bedtime surprise

October 15, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

“Aww, he’s so sweet,” I think as I bend down. “They’re just so innocent and cute when they’re sleeping.”

A special family Mass, finches taking flight, and pretzel presents (7 Quick Takes)

October 10, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Our friend, Fr. Timothy Brown, S.J., celebrated a special Mass for my brother-in-law Eric, who died three years ago.

Catholic Women’s Conference is “Made for JOY!”

October 8, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Women from around Maryland will gather from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, at St. Joseph Fullerton Catholic Church in Nottingham, Md., for “Maryland Catholic Women’s Conference: Made for JOY!”

Encounter God in nature

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

During these days when we are home most of the time, we find ourselves noticing outdoor creatures we normally don’t see.

A sign of hope, Moon Festival celebrations, and a nod to St. Francis (7 Quick Takes)

October 3, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Whenever it rains, we look outside for a rainbow.

Following St. Thérèse’s little way

September 30, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

In this pandemic time, when we can’t travel far or interact with all the people we want to be with, St. Thérèse can be a poignant source of inspiration. Her world may have been small, but her words and actions have touched thousands and thousands of hearts.

Bless me, Father…this is my first drive-through confession

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

Last week I found myself longing for God’s grace. I decided I would try to find a way to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Celebrating 16 years and counting and other highlights from our week (7 Quick Takes)

September 25, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Sixteen years ago, my father walked me up the aisle of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, and John was waiting for me at the altar.

‘Pray, hope, and don’t worry’

September 22, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

St. Pio of Pietrelcina, whose feast day is Sept. 23, is quoted as saying, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”

Welcome, baby finches!

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

Surprise! We now have a finch family of four.

Ask and you shall receive

September 19, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

God knows what is best for us. He knows when the timing is right and when we are ready for what we are asking for.

Berger Cookies, skating through virtual schooling, and more (7 Quick Takes)

September 18, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized

We might not have milk or pasta, but at least we have Berger cookies.

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