The Third Council of Baltimore was the third, final, and largest council of bishops in the United States in the 19th century. 14 archbishops, 61 bishops, and six abbots presided over this council and its decrees. These councils were intended to foster unity within the various regions and dioceses of the United States, emphasizing common discipline, especially for the laity. The Baltimore Catechism, The Little Office of Baltimore, and Manual of Prayers for the Laity all were practical results intended to foster common discipline with the laity in the pursuit of holiness in the young Catholic dioceses and mission territories of the United States of America.
