A New Translation of the Bible Read at Mass.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has approved a new translation of the Scriptures for proclamation at Mass—the Catholic American Bible (CAB). This historic revision of the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) will serve the Church in study, catechesis, and personal devotion.
THE CATHOLIC AMERICAN BIBLE (CAB)
Stay Informed As This Historic Project Unfolds.
Approved by the bishops of the United States and rooted in the most faithful scholarship, the Catholic American Bible seeks to make the Word of God clearer and more accessible to all the faithful. Ascension is honored to work with the USCCB as one of the publishers of this historic new edition.
More Than a New Translation.
It’s a renewed encounter with the living Word of God.
It’s Scripture—faithful to the original texts and crafted to be proclaimed, prayed, and understood.
Join the waitlist to receive updates about the release of the Catholic American Bible translation and Ascension’s forthcoming editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Catholic American Bible (CAB)
Why are there different Bible translations?
Sacred Scripture was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Translating them involves careful choices about meaning, grammar, and tone. Each translation seeks to beautifully convey the original text in the evolving languages we use today.
Some translations aim to be word-for-word, preserving the structure and rhythm of the original text. Others use a thought-for-thought approach, making Scripture easier to read, sing, and understand.
Catholic translations, including the forthcoming Catholic American Bible, balance both—faithful to the original, yet clear and beautiful for proclamation and prayer.
What is changing in the Catholic American Bible (CAB) from the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)?
The CAB features a modified version of the Old Testament from the NABRE, with the Book of Psalms replaced by the Abbey Psalms and Canticles alongside a new introduction and notes, a newly revised New Testament, and appendices to both the Old and New Testaments containing the Abbey Psalms and Canticles.
What editions of the Catholic American Bible will Ascension publish?
Ascension will be publishing paperback, leatherlike, large print, premium, and digital editions of the Catholic American Bible.
Will there be an edition of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible with the Catholic American Bible translation?
Yes, Ascension is planning to offer an edition of the popular Great Adventure Catholic Bible with the Catholic American Bible translation.
The Great Adventure Catholic Bible is currently offered in the Revised Standard Edition, Second Catholic Edition (RSV2CE) and the Biblia de Jerusalén Latinoamericana (BJL) translations.
Will the Catholic American Bible translation be available in the Ascension App?
The Ascension App offers the daily readings in the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), as this translation is the translation currently approved for liturgical use and matches the text of the mass readings.
The USCCB has not yet announced a timeline of availability for daily readings using the new Catholic American Bible (CAB) translation. Ascension will announce updates as they become available.
Will there be a Spanish Edition of the Catholic American Bible?
For prayer and study, Ascension offers The Great Adventure Catholic Bible in Spanish using the Biblia de Jerusalén Latinoamericana (BJL) translation.
For liturgical use in the United States, the Subcommittee on Divine Worship in Spanish of the USCCB noted in their newsletter that they are developing an edition of the Biblia de la Iglesia en América (BIA). Until that edition is approved, any Spanish translation lawfully approved for liturgical use by another Conference of Bishops may be used in Spanish liturgies in the United States.
When will the Catholic American Bible be available?
The USCCB provided Ash Wednesday 2027 (February 10, 2027) as a date for the general availability of the CAB. Join the waitlist to receive updates on the Ascension editions!
When will a new Lectionary including the Catholic American Bible be available?
The USCCB has not yet announced a date for the general availability of a new Lectionary. Join the waitlist to receive updates!