According to the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB), there are translations of Sacred Scripture that are approved for study and private prayer.
“The 1983 Code of Canon Law entrusts to the Apostolic See and the episcopal conferences the authority to approve translations of the Sacred Scriptures in the Latin Catholic Church (c. 825, §1). Prior to 1983, Scriptural translations could be approved by the Apostolic See or by a local ordinary within a diocese.” Source: http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations
- The New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE)
- Books of the New Testament, Alba House
- Contemporary English Version – New Testament, First Edition, American Bible Society
- Contemporary English Version – Book of Psalms, American Bible Society
- Contemporary English Version – Book of Proverbs, American Bible Society
- The Grail Psalter (Inclusive Language Version), G.I.A. Publications
- New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, National Council of Churches
- The Psalms, Alba House
- The Psalms (New International Version) – St. Joseph Catholic Edition, Catholic Book Publishing Company
- The Psalms – St. Joseph New Catholic Version, Catholic Book Publishing Company
- Revised Psalms of the New American Bible (1991)
- So You May Believe, A Translation of the Four Gospels, Alba House
- Good News Translation (Today’s English Version, Second Edition), American Bible Society
- Translation for Early Youth, A Translation of the New Testament for Children, Contemporary English Version, American Bible Society
The translations listed above, and any other translation of Sacred Scripture that has:
- received approval by the Apostolic See or a local Bishop (prior to 1983),
- or the Apostolic See or an episcopal conference (following 1983)
may be used as well.
Looking for a great Catholic Bible for children? Check outer previous article titled, “The Best Catholic Children’s Bible (Illustrated).” We’ve listed our favorite Catholic Bibles for kids, and include where to get them.