The Catholic American Bible (CAB)
A new Catholic Bible translation for the United States
The Catholic American Bible (CAB)—a new Catholic Bible translation approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for use in the United States, created for liturgical, personal, and educational use.
Saint Mary’s Press, with its long history of Bible publishing, has been granted permission to publish the Catholic American Bible in trusted youth-friendly editions—helping young people read, pray with, and study Scripture.
Saint Mary’s Press will publish two Bibles featuring the Catholic American Bible translation:
- Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics — for middle school readers (grades 5–8)
- The Catholic Youth Bible — for high school teens (grades 9–12)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the USCCB creating a new Bible translation?
Developed for use in the United States, the Catholic American Bible is part of an ongoing effort to bring greater consistency to how Scripture is encountered across Catholic life. As this translation is gradually incorporated into liturgical and pastoral settings, it can help readers more clearly connect the Scripture they read and study with the Scripture they hear proclaimed in the Church.
What products will Saint Mary’s Press publish with the new Bible translation?
Saint Mary’s Press will incorporate the Catholic American Bible (CAB) across its middle school and high school product lines. This includes Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics (grades 6–8) and The Catholic Youth Bible (grades 9–12), along with accompanying leader guides and activity books.
In addition, all new and revised middle school and high school resources from Saint Mary’s Press will use the CAB translation, helping ensure consistency across programs.
Why are there different Bible translations?
Different Bible translations can speak to different stages of life. Just as we begin with simple books and gradually move to more complex texts, different translations can meet readers where they are and support deeper understanding over time. For more information on how we offer different Catholic translations for different age levels,<< find out more in this article.
What is the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) translation? How does it differ from the Catholic American Bible?
The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) is the current English Bible translation approved for use in the United States by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The NABRE is widely used in Catholic schools, parishes, and for personal study.
The Catholic American Bible (CAB) is a new translation approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and will be introduced in early 2027. It will eventually provide a single, unified translation for both liturgical proclamation and use in study, prayer, and personal reading. When CAB is released, publishers will transition their NABRE-based Bibles and resources to this new translation.
Do I have to use the new translation of The Catholic American Bible (CAB) instead of the old edition (New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) translation?
You do not need to switch to the Catholic American Bible (CAB) right away. The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE) will remain an approved translation for personal reading and study during a brief transition period. However, the CAB is intended to ultimately replace the NABRE. As the CAB is introduced, new liturgical texts and pastoral and educational resources will begin using this translation, and the NABRE will no longer be published.
What is new in the Catholic American Bible (CAB) translation? How does it differ from the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE)?
The Catholic American Bible is designed to bring greater unity and consistency to how Scripture is used in the Church. One of its most significant features is its aim to be more closely aligned with the text proclaimed at Mass. It also reflects updated biblical scholarship and aims for clarity and accessibility for contemporary readers.
What age level is suggested for the Catholic American Bible (CAB) translation?
The Catholic American Bible can be used with middle schoolers, high schoolers, as well as adults. Saint Mary’s Press will offer the CAB in both its middle school and high school Bibles, with features designed to help young people understand the text and apply its message to their daily lives.
What are the approved Bible translations for Catholics?
Rather than a single required translation, the Catholic Church approves multiple Bible translations. In general, any Bible that carries an imprimatur or other official Church approval may be used by Catholics for prayer and study. These authorizations are typically found in the first pages of a Bible. However, the CAB is intended to be the Catholic-approved translation that most closely aligns with the Scripture proclaimed in the Catholic liturgy.
Be the first to hear the latest on the release of the Catholic American Bible
Join the waitlist to get updates on release timing, features, and how the Catholic American Bible supports a more unified experience of Scripture in the Church.
