A Miracle for a Baby in Rhode Island (and for all of us) July 22, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window We have all hoped and prayed for miracles. No wonder we get excited when we hear that the Vatican has confirmed one.
A parenting lesson in the Mary and Martha story July 20, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized Relationships are unique. We connect with each person in a distinctive way, meeting them where they are. We don’t talk to Mary the same way we talk to Martha.
A Gift and a Connection to the Past July 13, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Earlier this year, my husband John mentioned that his cousin Terri had something she wanted to give to me. He showed me a photo of a sculpture that included statues of St. Rita of Cascia and St. Therese of Lisieux.
Our 31-hour Road Trip July 6, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window We drove more than 450 miles, spent more than 10 hours on the road, and did almost everything we wanted to along the way.
Making a birthday wish come true June 29, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window A few days before the big day, my sister—the birthday girl’s mom—invited us to join them. She happened to mention that her daughter was hoping to have “Aunt Rita’s Dip” that day, too.
We are part of the miracle June 22, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Jesus can—and will—feed the thousands of people in front of him. He doesn’t need the five loaves and two fish to create a feast for that crowd.
A Key Ingredient June 15, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window For years, I have turned to my next-door neighbor Kathy for help.
Come, Holy Spirit: A Pentecost Reflection June 8, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window As an adult, though, I lean hard on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, for courage, and for inspiration.
Sometimes I cook dinner, summer is here, and other miracles (7 Quick Takes) May 31, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized Summer is my favorite time of year, and I am looking forward to being outside more and enjoying longer, slower days. I love everything about summer.
When children grow up (and the Feast of the Visitation) May 30, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window The other day, I watched as my son, who was stuck in a challenging situation, stepped forward to advocate for himself—politely and firmly. He was heard without any apparent criticism, the problem was immediately resolved, and the world continued to turn. It took my breath away. But at 15 and 17, he and his brother […]
Scrambled eggs in the car, Confirmation joy, and Wordle losses (7 Quick Takes) May 23, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window It’s May, which means every now and then we have a night without baseball or a concert or some other commitment. Mostly, though, it’s a mad dash to the finish. Not to wish time away, but summer can start anytime. It’s my absolute favorite time of year.
A Ticket to Pope Leo’s First Papal Audience May 21, 2025By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Back in early April, Abigail Benjamin submitted a request for tickets to attend a papal audience in May. Not many people were requesting tickets at the time, as a cardinal handled the papal audiences for an ailing Pope Francis. But Abigail felt she and her husband, Jon, should go. They could never have known that […]
