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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.

Image of two buttons on a red winter coat

Button up this Lent

March 10, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

The other day, I realized I was running ahead of schedule on my way to school pick-up, so I stopped for gas. I slid the pump into the side of the car and then took a quick walk around the car. Dozens of years ago, my father told me that was a good idea, so […]

What’s for dinner?

March 6, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Special to the Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Lent, The Domestic Church

May Lent offer you the opportunity to experience Jesus’ love in a new way. And, as you walk your Lenten journey, know that this season can offer a time to grow closer to God without lentils – unless you personally happen to see them as a sign of Jesus’ love for you.

Morning sky with purples and blues and pinks

Question on a busy morning

March 2, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

I was rinsing dishes in the sink when my younger son—who’s 15—came into the kitchen. “So, what will it be like when we go to college?” he said. “Will you miss us?”

Statue of Jesus, the Divine Mercy, holding his hand up in blessing while positioned in a garden outside a chapel

This little (broken) light of mine

February 23, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Here comes Lent. God gives us this season not just to reflect on Jesus’ life, suffering, and sacrifice for us, but also to offer us a chance to lean on him, to walk with him, and to find ways to open ourselves up to his love.

Pan of egg, sausage, peppers and cheese casserole

Breakfast Casserole Time

February 16, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Warm, hearty breakfasts are perfect for wintry days.

Stained glass image showing the Eucharist

That First Communion Joy

February 10, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Our twin nephews made their First Communion this weekend, and I was so excited for them.

A red and gold cake in the shape of a coiled snake

Lunar New Year: This Year Takes the Snake (Cake)

February 3, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized

The timing of the holiday is always just what I need—a festival that arrives in between the gap of the rejoicing of Christmas and the warmth and light of springtime. Here we are in the in-between times, celebrating with food and loved ones and fun.

A shopping cart full of groceries

Cherish the Time

January 25, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

“But I remember those wonderful days with my boys in the house,” she said. “Cherish that time.”

A whole cheese pizza on a pan

Ask for What You Need

January 19, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Whatever is on your heart today, whether it seems insurmountable or insignificant, whether it’s for you or for someone you love, you can bring it to Jesus — directly or through his mother.

Brownie on a plate with whipped cream a fork

Best By Today

January 13, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

This weekend we started going through our pantry. The plan was to find the items we weren’t eating and donate them to the food pantry at church. What we discovered is that we have plenty of soy sauce, Greek dressing, and granola. We also have an astonishing amount of expired food. Some packages expired not […]

A statue of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton at the Seton Shrine

5 Reasons to Love St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

January 3, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

As a child growing up in Baltimore, I remember learning about Mother Seton. We were especially proud of this new saint, who had a connection to our hometown. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was not only the first American-born saint, but she had spent so much of her life in Maryland. Sometimes on a warm summer […]

Image of a 2025 calendar

New Year, Sorta New Goal

January 3, 2025
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window

Now 2025 begins. I’m always a little sad to close the book on the past year, but I love the idea of a new beginning. What will this new year bring? What will we bring to this new year?

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