Christmas gifts and memories in the making (7 Quick Takes) December 28, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Christmas, Commentary, Open Window What a whirlwind Christmas is every year! When our children were younger, I felt more pressure to make sure Christmas was magical. Celebrating Christmas with teens means this season is still magical, but in a different way.
No room at the inn but joy abounds December 20, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window When we got off the plane, we found out a snowstorm had canceled all the flights to the East Coast.
So, this is Advent December 10, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window That day when I had that sudden thought, the child who would become our younger son was newly born and not far away. Only God could have known that.
A new baby for Advent December 7, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Advent, Blog, Commentary, Open Window There is nothing like that wait for the baby to arrive, especially in those final hours before the birth.
A masterpiece on my windshield November 27, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I went outside, slipped into the driver’s seat, and glanced up to discover that the windshield was covered. Instead of the frost I’m used to seeing, however, the glass was enveloped in a beautiful, delicate pattern of ice.
Thanksgiving Food Stories (7 Quick Tastes) November 24, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window Sometimes when we’re planning the Thanksgiving menu, someone will say, “But of course, it’s not about the food.” It’s about being together. Yes, yes, naturally. But the food stories tell us so much about the traditions and the people we love.
A rose from St. Therese: A story from a salon owner November 21, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window The story I want to share with you today features one of my favorite saints, St. Therese of Lisieux who was born 150 years ago this year. This story comes from Shaela Blanchard, who lives in Colorado. Shaela is a stay-at-home mother of three little ones—11, 3, and 8 months. She is also a business owner.
A glimpse into a father’s love November 9, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window I always love watching the children approach the altar for a blessing on their way to learn about God during the Children’s Liturgy of the Word.
Praying for souls, autumn thoughts, a rosary and a reunion (7 Quick Takes) November 7, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window ~1~ During this month when we pray for All Souls, one of my favorite traditions is filling our prayer basket with the names of loved ones who have died. Every day we pull a name and pray for that person (or people, in some cases) that day. I didn’t have a chance to fill the […]
Learning about saints at Sunday School October 29, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window With everything I have going on this fall, I wasn’t looking for anything else to do. Sometimes I have an idea, though, and I just can’t shake it. That’s how I felt when I first thought about volunteering to teach faith formation at our parish. I haven’t taught Sunday School since the year the pandemic […]
O God, How Great Thou Art October 22, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window The whole weekend I had felt surrounded by God’s presence and love. But as the music washed over me, and I joined my voice to the others in that sacred space, I felt loved, comforted, and so at peace.
The Rosary: A prayer for when you can’t find the words October 14, 2023By Rita Buettner Catholic Review Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window As life has presented its twists and turns, I’ve discovered that there are times when the Rosary is like a lifeline—a simple and beautiful connection to our Blessed Mother and to Jesus.
