In the United States over-emphasis on the vernacular is also widespread. While not all dioceses have published regulations on the subject of the liturgical languages, some have put into stated form directions that are at variance with the conciliar decrees. These examples, to mention only a few, may be cited to demonstrate what can be found across the entire nation:

For the Archdiocese of Baltimore, in the Directory for Worship, published with the imprimatur of Lawrence Cardinal Shehan, March 1, 1964, the following rules are given:

No. 161. As of the First Sunday of Advent in 1965, the introduction of the vernacular into the sung Mass is to be completed in this archdiocese.

No. 162. All parts of the Mass where the vernacular is permitted should be performed in the vernacular.

No. 163. Latin songs may be sung by the choir where participation will not be hindered in any way. This does not mean, however, that those Ordinary or Proper parts of the Mass which must be performed according to the rubrics can be in Latin.

No. 180. If the funeral Mass is a sung Mass, the Ordinary must now be in the vernacular. After the first Sunday of Advent, 1965, the Proper must also be in the vernacular.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Pastoral Directory on the Mass, newly revised edition of 1966, which has the imprimatur of John Cardinal Cody, gives the following direction on the use of Latin in sung Masses:

No. 701 (footnote). All sung Masses are to be in the vernacular except on special occasions when Latin is permitted to preserve the rich tradition of Gregorian chant and polyphonic music which is wedded to the Latin language. Care should be taken thatthe use of this music is meaningful to the particular worshipping community. The special occasion would be left to the discretion of the pastor in cooperation with the musical director.

No. 836. In places where there is a large influx of tourists, especially from foreign lands, it may be helpful to schedule a Mass in Latin. This Mass would be arranged in a specific church according to an established and publicized time-table. If there is such need, permission is to be obtained in writing from the Ordinary.

Special directives on the Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Chicago, mandatory as of June 9, 1966:

No. 3. The vernacular is to be used at all public Masses to the extent permitted by law.

In the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, directives concerning the Mass were issued in a letter from the chancellor, which was given at the direction of Bishop John J. Carberry, September 17, 1965: “All scheduled Masses should be in the vernacular and provide for the active participation of the faithful attending.”

In the Outline for the English High Mass issued for the Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, Missouri, November 29, 1964, the exclusive use of the vernacular is presumed in such statements as this:

Beginning Sunday, November 29, 1964, the people's parts of the High Mass may be sung in English as they are said at Low Mass. This includes the Proper and the Ordinary of the Mass. Because of the extremely short notice the following directives are given: 1. Through the Christmas season, pastors may choose between Latin or English at High Mass as they feel will be pastorally most effective with materials available . . .

The legislation on church music for the Diocese of San Diego, California, for January, 1966, states: “The Ordinary and Proper of the Mass should be sung in English, but Latin motets may be used (e.g., at the Offertory, Communion or as a recessional after Mass).”

On the other hand, such sees as Washington, Milwaukee, Saint Paul-Minneapolis and Boston have made it clear in legislative directives that in conformity with conciliar decrees the use of the vernacular is a permission and not an obligation, while Latin retains its official position de jure if not de facto.