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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.

Missing the holy water

March 8, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Dipping your fingers into holy water on your way into Mass seems like a small gesture until you can’t do it. There was no water there. I could bless myself with a waterless cross, but I missed that tangible encounter.

The deliciousness of meatless Fridays, a child’s innovation, a Shamrock shake, and signs of Lent (7 Quick Takes)

March 7, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window, Uncategorized

I love Lenten Fridays so much that I always think I should give up something else besides meat those days.

“Are you from Iowa?”

March 3, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Lent, Open Window

A chance meeting with strangers added light to this Lenten journey.

A goody bag from church, charcuterie, the story of a super ball, and our Lenten prayer basket (7 Quick Takes)

February 28, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Last weekend we took a day trip to Frederick, and John suggested that we stop at St. Peter’s in Libertytown, Md., for Saturday evening Mass.

A Lent lesson from Call of the Wild

February 25, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Lent, Open Window

As we begin our Lenten journey, we cannot know what we will experience through these 40 days. We don’t know what obstacles and opportunities life will present. But Lent can change us in positive, beautiful ways if we are open to how God is working in our lives.

Please don’t give up social media for Lent

February 22, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Lent, Open Window

During Lent, people are spiritually hungry. We are in the desert, and it can be a lonely and dark time—this time of repentance, this season with no alleluias. By remaining active on social media—or even approaching it more intentionally—you have the opportunity to help others see and connect with Christ in a new way.

Our Lenten prayer basket, tiramisu, The Crown, cake pops, and a surprise in the mail (7 Quick Takes)

February 20, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Ash Wednesday is next week, so sometime before now and then, we will fill our Lenten prayer basket.

How to prepare for the best Lent yet

February 18, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Lent, Open Window

In these days before Lent begins, you—like me—might be trying to figure out what to give up or take on for the 40 days that lie ahead. I still haven’t decided, but these are some questions I am considering.

A Valentine’s Day proposal, chicken soup with rice, sending valentines, and more (7 Quick Takes)

February 13, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Sixteen years ago today, John asked me to be his wife during a beautiful dinner at the Candlelight Inn in Catonsville, Md.

Small acts of love can mean the most

February 11, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window, Uncategorized

I often think that the small actions, the little kindnesses, are the ones that touch your heart in a special way.

The $8 bridesmaid dresses

February 9, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

My mother and I still laugh about how she bought the dresses before we were even engaged—and without me or any of the hypothetical future bridesmaids there.

Our first dance: Can’t help falling in love with you

February 9, 2020
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

You give your whole life, your whole self, to each other every day—and you accept the gift of your spouse in return.

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