The gift of a smile September 5, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window If you knew Jeff Nattans, you must remember his smile. He was always pleasant, always upbeat, and always eager to connect with people around him.
The girl on the diving board: A back-to-school reflection August 30, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I hope whatever this new school year brings for our young people and their families, they know God is with them. And I hope they find joy in being brave.
Dolly, we will always love you August 25, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window As Dolly Parton once said, “I like trying to make people happy and lift people up and glorifying God. That’s my mission in life.”
A blessing on the road August 19, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I was surprised. I’ve never had a car pause there so I could enter that stretch of road before. Everyone is always in a hurry.
Ryan, meet Ryan: A glimpse into record-breaking Ryan Meet-ups August 11, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window The idea that people named Ryan would gather together simply to celebrate sharing a name really struck me.
Two heroes: St. Ignatius and Spider-Man August 2, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Whether you’ve been bitten by a radioactive spider or Ignatian spirituality, you might be called to live your life differently as a result.
Thwip! Faith lessons from Spider-Man August 2, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Spider-Man can teach us a few lessons about living as Catholics. He’s committed to self-sacrifice and service to others.
A Birthday Glimpse of Heaven July 28, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window That room full of people singing to me brought home for me how connected we all are to one another in the Communion of Saints.blog
The Joy of a Train Ride July 21, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Trains are magical, and steam locomotives are full of history. And a train ride is exhilarating.
Dogs Go to Heaven July 16, 2026By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Maybe they’re chasing squirrels or enjoying steaks every day. Maybe they’re spending time with our loved ones who’ve gone before us.
A Dinner Disaster July 7, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I tasted it, and it wasn’t just too salty. It was terrible. Even though I had followed the recipe, the dish was inedible.
Happy 250th to the USA, climbing the Empire State Building, a Cookie Monster geode & more (7 Quick Takes) July 4, 2026By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window July is my favorite month of the year. It’s my birthday month, so that adds to the joy, but July is also the heart of the summer—and summertime is the best.
