The miracle of Easter shows that anything and everything is possible for God, and that even death does not have the final word.

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By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Easter, The Domestic Church
Rita Buettner is a wife, working mother and author of the Catholic Review's Open Window blog. She and her husband adopted their two sons from China, and Rita often writes about topics concerning adoption, family and faith.
Rita also writes The Domestic Church, a featured column in the Catholic Review. Her writing has been honored by the Catholic Press Association, the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association and the Associated Church Press.
By Rita Buettner
Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Easter, The Domestic Church
The miracle of Easter shows that anything and everything is possible for God, and that even death does not have the final word.
By 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. […]
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Commentary, Open Window
This weekend, we said goodbye to one of our little zebra finches, Hermione.
By 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.
By 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 […]
By 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.
By 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.
By 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.
By 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 […]
By Rita Buettner
Special to the Catholic Review
Filed Under: Commentary, Lent, The Domestic Church
May Lent offer you the opportunity to experience Jesus’ love in a new way. And, as you walk your Lenten journey, know that this season can offer a time to grow closer to God without lentils – unless you personally happen to see them as a sign of Jesus’ love for you.
By 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?”
By 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.
Real Life. Real Faith.
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