5 Lessons Pope Francis Taught Us April 22, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Remembering Pope Francis Weeks ago, when it became clear that Pope Francis’ health was failing, I thought I had come to terms with the possibility of him passing away. When I woke up to the news that he had died, however, I realized I wasn’t prepared at all. Yes, we knew he was elderly and battling double pneumonia. […]
The story of the melted bunnies April 15, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window Weeks and weeks ago, I was walking down the seasonal aisle at the grocery store when I stopped to look at the Easter candy. I spotted chocolate bunnies who were posed as if they were taking selfies. I thought of my niece in college several states to the north. I knew she would be amused. […]
For Our Little Bird Hermione April 11, 2025By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window This weekend, we said goodbye to one of our little zebra finches, Hermione.
Surprise! It’s a…giraffe! April 7, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window A baby giraffe. A new little—well, not so little—life in the world. It was just the spark of joy this gray April day needed.
All that we offer April 2, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window When I make beef vegetable soup, I am incapable of making the right amount for our family of four. We always end up with extra. So, after I made a pot of soup this week, I texted my sister to see if she’d like some for her, her husband, and their six children. Treasa wrote […]
A gender reveal party and the Annunciation March 25, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window As the lunch came to a close, she brought out the gender reveal cake. I have never been to a gender reveal party, but I love any reason to celebrate a new little one.
The people who bring Jesus to us March 24, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Lent, Open Window I smiled the whole way back to my seat. After Mass, we chatted about how wonderful it was that I had been able to receive the Eucharist from him. What an unexpected surprise and delight.
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 […]
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.
