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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.

My cup of beads: A reflection on race

October 26, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Racial Justice

“Picture your doctor,” the instructor says. “Pick a bead that represents their race and put it in your cup.”

Fall fun, fanciness, finches, and more (7 Quick Takes)

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

The pumpkins on our porch are just waiting to be carved, and this is looking like the weekend to make it happen.

The sadness of an adoption program closing

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

When I heard that Catholic Charities of Baltimore had closed its international adoption program, I was so sad.

It’s fall, a different kind of Halloween, reasons to travel, and those finches (7 Quick Takes)

October 17, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

It’s fall! The leaves are starting to change, and we have pumpkins sitting on our porch, all ready for carving.

Move beyond fear

October 15, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

We have faith in our God who is bigger than any threat we can imagine.

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.

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