What version of the bible do Roman Catholics and Catholics in general read?
I signed up for the RCIA courses that begin in September to do my Communion and Confirmation and to convert to being a Roman Catholic and I am curious about certain things such as what version of the bible Catholics read and if they hand out bibles for people such as myself to read and take home to keep? Or do I have to buy a Catholic bible on my own? If so what version do I look out for? Also during the RCIA courses do they give anything out to the students of the course such as rosaries or anything else? I was asking about the courses but the nun didn’t get into specifics with me. What do I expect? This is a serious question and I need some serious and helpful answers. Please don’t answer if you’re not gonna help.
The Douay-Rheims and St. Joseph editions of the Catholic Bible used to be the standards, but there are some newer and more enjoyable translations for reading and study. The New American Catholic Bible is accurate, as far as I can tell, but it’s not always the most enjoyable to read.
The New Living Translation has a Catholic edition that’s easy to understand, but like all modern translations, I sometimes question its accuracy. I have a New King James Catholic Bible that seems to split the difference very nicely: it’s easier to understand and yet seems to be accurate, too.
My suggestion is to go to your Bible bookstore or Catholic supply house and sit down with each version. Read several chapters of each version, and see which one speaks most clearly to you.
As far as giving out Bibles and Rosaries, that depends on the parish. Many of them give a gift to those who celebrate their First Communion — traditionally a prayer book, rosary, scapular medal, or similar keepsake. It will just depend on your particular church.
