Liturgical Press announces Therese L. Ratliff as next director

Liturgical Press

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. — Abbot John Klassen, OSB, is pleased to announce that Therese L. Ratliff, PhD, will be the next director and chief executive officer of Liturgical Press, the publishing apostolate of Saint John’s Abbey. Ratliff will succeed Peter Dwyer, who is set to retire in June 2022 after 33 years of service to the Press, 21 years as director.

Ratliff will be the second layperson and the first woman to lead Liturgical Press in its 96-year history.

Ratliff comes to Liturgical Press with a diverse and accomplished portfolio in Catholic book and periodical publishing. Most recently, Ratliff served as the publisher of books and devotionals for the US divisions of Bayard, Inc.: Twenty-Third Publications, Pflaum Publishing Group, and Creative Communications for the Parish. She has contributed to several international publishing boards and is currently the vice president of the Association of Catholic Publishers Board of Directors (2020–2023). Before joining Bayard, Inc., Ratliff enjoyed a variety of publishing roles and experiences at Pauline Books and Media.


“We are thrilled to have Therese Ratliff come on board as director of Liturgical Press,” said Klassen. “She is an energetic, vibrant person who brings a rich set of leadership experiences in the world of Catholic publishing. I am confident that she will continue the Benedictine mission of the Press as it seeks to serve today’s believers in exciting new ways.”

“I am thrilled to be joining a talented, top-notch team and look forward to building on the extraordinary reputation of Liturgical Press,” said Ratliff. “We in Catholic publishing must meet the moment our world faces in diverse new ways, and I’m confident that, together, we will find new pathways and explore new directions for the Gospel to take root and flourish.”

“I am delighted in the appointment of Therese Ratliff as the next director of Liturgical Press,” said Dwyer. “She brings exceptional leadership skills and vision, as well as a deep commitment to the Gospel, to her tenure at the helm of this storied and trusted house. Customers, authors, and staff, as well as the Church and Saint John’s Abbey, will be extraordinarily well served by the wisdom and gifts she brings to Liturgical Press.”  

Ratliff has a PhD in theology and education from Boston College (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts), a Master of Arts in theology from St. Michael’s College (Burlington, Vermont), and a Bachelor of Arts in writing, literature, and publishing from Emerson College (Boston, Massachusetts).

Prior to Peter Dwyer, the previous directors of Liturgical Press were monks of Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, Minnesota: Fr. Virgil Michel, OSB, whose energy and vision led to the founding of Liturgical Press in 1926; Fr. William Heidt, OSB (1949–1978); Fr. Daniel Durken, OSB (1978–1988); and Fr. Michael Naughton, OSB (1988–2001).

About Liturgical Press:
Located at Saint John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, Liturgical Press began publishing for the Church in 1926. Our staff is committed to providing religious and spiritual resources of the highest relevance and quality to Catholic parishes and individuals and to the academic community. Our imprints and publications include Liturgical Press Books, Liturgical Press Academic, Cistercian Publications, The Saint John’s Bible, Little Rock Scripture Study, and Give Us This Day. Learn more at litpress.org.


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Contact:
Tara Durheim
Liturgical Press
320-363-2139
[email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.

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