ABSTRACT
In the late eighteenth century the liturgical practices of the Catholic Church in the United States were the same as those followed in the "old world". The liturgy, while not as integral to Catholicism as its theology and sacraments, was nevertheless an essential part that went into making up the Roman Catholic way. Ever since the fourth century Latin had been the predominant language in the Roman liturgy; the use of the vernacular was generally by way of exception from the rule. Several English Catholics criticized John Carroll's views on the liturgy which became known when Berington published the letter to support his own position against Bishop John Douglass, Vicar-Apostolic of London. In November, 1791, John Carroll presided over the first diocesan Synod of the Clergy which set down the basic regulations governing the religious life of the Catholic Church in the United States.
