Ascension, one of the two publishers chosen by the USCCB, will bring this historic new translation of the “the public prayer of the Church” (CCC 1174) to clergy, religious, and laity—while popular priest Fr. Mike Schmitz invites Catholics in an inspiring new video to unite their prayers with the whole Church.

[Exton, PA - October 7, 2025] — Ascension was selected by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as one of the publishers of the long-awaited Second Edition of the Liturgy of the Hours, the first new English translation of the Church’s official daily prayer in more than 50 years.

Developed over more than a decade by the USCCB in collaboration with the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL), this landmark edition represents a historic moment in the prayer life of the Church.

“We are honored to serve the Church by being one of the publishers chosen for this historic new edition of the Liturgy of the Hours,” said Jonathan Strate, President and CEO of Ascension. “Our goal is to create a reverent and beautiful edition that embodies the dignity of the Church’s common prayer. This new translation marks an extraordinary moment for Catholics everywhere.”

A Beautiful, Enduring Edition

Ascension is widely recognized for its bestselling Great Adventure Catholic Bible and the Ascension Edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, awarded the 2023 ACP “Resource of the Year.” With the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition, Ascension furthers its mission in creating resources to help Catholics deepen their prayer life, joining the universal Church in encountering the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith.

Ascension’s four-volume set of the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition is anticipated to feature:

• Newly commissioned sacred artwork—fresh yet timeless, crafted to enrich prayer while rooted in Catholic tradition.

• Premium materials including top-grain goatskin leather covers, durable bindings, gold-gilt edges, and more.

• World-class typesetting in collaboration with 2K/DENMARK, renowned experts in complex scriptural texts.

Discover the Church’s Daily Prayer

To help Catholics enter more deeply into the life of prayer,  Fr. Mike Schmitz—beloved priest, speaker, and host of America’s #1 religion podcast The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) ®—walks the faithful through the Liturgy of the Hours in a new video on Ascension Presents. He offers an overview of the prayer’s structure and significance, showing how it immerses Catholics in Scripture and emphasizing that it is “not just for priests, deacons, bishops, or religious sisters and brothers. This is called the ‘prayer of the Church’—and anyone can join in.”

“When you pray the Liturgy of the Hours, you are uniting your prayer to the entire Church,” said Fr. Mike in his recent video ' The Liturgy of the Hours Explained'. “It gives us the opportunity to create holy time… by stopping at various moments throughout the day and calling upon the Lord, renewing our mind with his Word. It is literally my favorite way to pray.”

Next Steps for the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition

The approval process from the U.S. Bishops for the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition was completed in November 2024 and sent to the Holy See for confirmation in May 2025. The USCCB notified Ascension and Word on Fire that both had been selected as publishers of the highly anticipated Second Edition. A release date for the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition will be announced after the completed manuscript receives confirmation from the Holy See. 

Those interested in updates and preorder opportunities may sign up at www.AscensionPress.com/LOTH.

Full press kit for the Liturgy of the Hours, Second Edition here.

About Ascension

Ascension is a multimedia network and the leader in Catholic faith formation and digital content. Over the past 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of over 20 million Catholics through award-winning books, the chart-topping Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® podcast, more than 50 unique faith formation programs, and the Ascension Presents media and YouTube platforms.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, contact (800) 376-0520 or Newsroom@AscensionPress.com.

Sample images are not final and subject to change.