Decree

In accord with the norms established by decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites in Cum, nostra aetate (January 27, 1966), this edition of the Book of the Gospels is declared to be the vernacular typical edition of this liturgical book in the Latin rite dioceses of the United States of America, and is published by authority of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The Book of the Gospels was canonically approved for use by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops on November 16, 1999 and was subsequently confirmed by the Apostolic See by decree of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on May 23, 2000 (Prot. 2742/99/L).

On the feast of Saint Jerome, September 30, 2000, the Book of the Gospels may be published and used in the liturgy. On the First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2000, its use is mandatory. From that day forward no other English version may be used.

Given at the General Secretariat of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington D.C., on June 29, 2000, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

Most Reverend Joseph A. Fiorenza
Bishop of Galveston-Houston
President
National Conference of Catholic Bishops

Reverend Monsignor Dennis M. Schnurr
General Secretary