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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 trip to Chicago, meeting Sister Jean, seeing a long-time friend for the first time, and a birthday wish (7 Quick Takes)

June 14, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

I find flying to be completely exhilarating and also terrifying. I do love to fly. But I also believe that we will probably crash. I’m always astounded when we land safely at the other end.

When less – or different – is more

June 11, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

As the first blossoms of spring transition into the vibrant greens of early summer, may we be open to the opportunities that lie ahead, recognizing that each of us can contribute to our family, our community, and our world in different ways at different moments.

A love of nature, pizza delivery, National Donut Day, a moment of fame, and more (7 Quick Takes)

June 7, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

During our visit to my in-laws on Maryland’s Eastern Shore last weekend, I took our boys on a trip to the store. As we were driving, I saw something move out of the corner of my eye and my younger son yelled, “STOP!”

In the right place at the right time

June 3, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

This wasn’t a mistake. We weren’t attending Mass in some random parish that just happened to fit our travel schedule. We were exactly where we were supposed to be.

Cooking up a fun summer, graduation gifts, buddy benches, and a flag cake (7 Quick Takes)

May 31, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

The other day our younger son came to me with an idea. “What if we filled a jar with pieces of paper with fun things to do this summer? We could pick one every day and then go do it!”

Is it summer vacation yet?

May 29, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

It’s not that I’m ready for summer. It’s just that I need the school year to end.

67 Ways to Do the Works of Mercy with Your Kids (An author Q&A)

May 28, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Books, Open Window

With very full lives, it can be easy to feel that there’s no way to fit anything else into your day. So, when I saw that Heidi Indahl had written 67 Ways to Do the Works of Mercy with Your Kids, I was immediately intrigued.

Yard sales, commencement joy, cotton candy for breakfast, and free Easter egg dye (7 Quick Takes)

May 24, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

I could write quick takes or take care of the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. I think we both know which one I picked.

A graduation address by the rider-less Preakness horse, Bodexpress

May 19, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window, Uncategorized

If you run the race you were meant to run, if you do it with heart and conviction and joy, you will discover you don’t need the winner’s circle. Because you will already have won.

How to celebrate Mother’s Day, losing teeth, little league lessons, and more (7 Quick Takes)

May 17, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Our Mother’s Day tradition is to go to the florist on the day before Mother’s Day to pick up a flowering basket for our back porch. It’s simple and fun and everyone enjoys it.

Be Brave in the Scared (A book review)

May 13, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Books, Open Window

You’ll find love and life and transformation and beauty in Mary Lenaburg’s new book, Be Brave in the Scared.

When you’re kind of a big deal but mostly not, birthday celebrations, fish for dinner, and more (7 Quick Takes)

May 10, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

You might think we just breezed into the advance screening of Detective Pikachu earlier this week. But you know there’s always a back story.

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