An Unforgettable Lesson March 16, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window Children will forget things at home—the trumpet, the lunch, the math homework, or water bottle. Sometimes you can’t fix it. But sometimes you can—and you will.
Button up this Lent March 10, 2025By 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, 2025By 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.
Question on a busy morning March 2, 2025By 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?”
This little (broken) light of mine February 23, 2025By 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.
Breakfast Casserole Time February 16, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Warm, hearty breakfasts are perfect for wintry days.
That First Communion Joy February 10, 2025By 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.
Lunar New Year: This Year Takes the Snake (Cake) February 3, 2025By 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.
Cherish the Time January 25, 2025By 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.”
Ask for What You Need January 19, 2025By 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.
Best By Today January 13, 2025By 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 […]
5 Reasons to Love St. Elizabeth Ann Seton January 3, 2025By 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 […]
