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.

Red-nosed root beer, Star Wars without spoilers, and a few Christmas leftovers (7 Quick Takes)

December 28, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

My sister Treasa is helping my dreams of a Christmas-carol-themed potluck come true, serving “Jingle Balls” meatballs, “Frosty the Salmon” salad, “We Three Wings,” and asking me to bring “Feliz Navi-dip.”

Say ‘yes’ to God’s plan

December 26, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

As we look at the New Year ahead of us, it’s impossible to know what opportunities and challenges we will encounter during the next 365 days. We have no choice but to say yes to all of it, even the unknowns.

Counting down to Christmas, snowmen, skewers, scarves, and an adoption trip memory (7 Quick Takes)

December 21, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Before I was a mother, I thought Christmas countdowns were cute and decorative and fun. Now I think they exist so parents can direct their children to the nearest countdown feature.

Tidings of comfort and joy

December 19, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

This week we are lighting the pink candle on our Advent wreath as we say, “Gaudete!”

Eight is great, Christmas gifts, ping-pong in the dining room, a trumpet concert, and Ramen Around the Christmas Tree (7 Quick Takes)

December 14, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

I’m big on celebrating birthdays, but Daniel challenges even me to appreciate the awesomeness of birthdays.

A little snow and a big idea

December 11, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

He couldn’t wait to bring that snowman to life.

Ready or not, here comes God’s grace

December 9, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Divine Worship, Feature, Open Window

In the case of First Reconciliation, we just need to do the very best we can to prepare our children and trust that God will take care of the rest.

Do you want to build a paper towel snowman, helpers with the Christmas cards, and more (7 Quick Takes)

December 8, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

A few years ago Daniel and I started making paper towel snowmen to give to people at Christmas.

The anticipation of Advent

December 7, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

Jesus does not just come to us when we are perfect. He comes to us as we are, even if we are shepherds watching our sheep in the fields.

Seize the day this Advent season

December 4, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Let’s look at Advent as a chance to welcome Jesus into our lives in a new way.

Awaiting Advent with train gardens, home-cooked dinners, and birthday party planning (7 Quick Takes)

November 30, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Advent usually creeps up on me without warning, but having the extra week between Thanksgiving and Advent has left me impatient for it to begin.

Having a few laughs while designing the family Christmas card

November 27, 2017
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

It’s one of the most stressful and exciting aspects of the Christmas season: creating our family Christmas card.