What little we have to give November 14, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window The other day I was in a meeting at work. We were introducing ourselves to a group of people visiting from outside our organization. When it was time for one of my coworkers to introduce himself, he mentioned he had just started working there recently. The person leading the meeting laughed. He dismissed my new […]
The loss of a pet and a visit with Padre Pio November 8, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Padre Pio was such a holy man with a deep devotion to the Eucharist. He lived a life full of miracles. I really wanted to visit his relics while they were in Baltimore.
Everyday Memories of Those Who’ve Gone Before October 30, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window You never know what will make you remember the people you miss. Rainbows make me think of our late neighbors, John and Loretta. We shared such a beautiful rainbow with them one summer afternoon. Reaching up to close a window takes my mind to our friend Father Tom. He once told me how he felt […]
100 Masses in a Year October 23, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Back in December, my husband told me about a friend who set a goal to spend 100 hours on his boat during 2023. I found myself wondering what I could do 100 times in a year. I told our oldest son that maybe I would try to go to 100 Masses. “You probably already go […]
Haussner’s Memories (25 Years Later) October 13, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window There were those sweet little chocolate chip muffins that came in the breadbasket. Then there were the decadent platters of food that came steaming out of the kitchen. But what I remember best about Haussner’s Restaurant was gazing up at the artwork that covered every inch of the walls. We didn’t eat out much as […]
God comes to us October 13, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I love a celestial phenomenon, but I never thought I would see the Northern Lights. I certainly didn’t imagine I would see them from my front porch, not far outside Baltimore, in a neighborhood full of light pollution. But then Thursday night happened. A colleague sent a message and encouraged us to look outside. There […]
Thinking of Eric today October 10, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window It has been seven years since my brother-in-law Eric died. It doesn’t feel that long, and yet it also feels like longer. Time can be so odd. Today, as we are missing him, I am thinking of how we never really lose the people we love. But I also know that there is an Eric-shaped […]
St. Thérèse: We have only today September 30, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Over the years, I have come to marvel at St. Thérèse’s “little way.” I love the idea of taking simple, small steps on the road toward sainthood.
A Trip to the Book Barn September 29, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized The books I brought home may have had one owner or 10. They may have passed through dozens of children’s hands or been treasured by a single person who kept them intact.
Angels Surround Us September 29, 2024By Rita Buettner Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window There’s something truly special about your guardian angel, your own personal companion through life.
A Little Less Like Me September 23, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window, Uncategorized Sometimes when a message comes my way, I don’t know whether God really means to send it to me.
Pray and Do Not Worry September 16, 2024By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window It was late afternoon, and my son and I were running late for an appointment—again. As we walked across the parking lot, a woman approached us. “Would you help me?” she said. I could see the distress in her eyes, and I could tell she really did need help. She pointed to her car, which […]