Can I “Surprise” Someone with their Baptism Record?
For records 70 years or newer, certificates may be provided only for the person named in the sacramental record, a diocesan official involved in canonical investigations, a parent or legal guardian of a minor child, or an individual with valid power of attorney for the person who received the sacrament.
Protect Your Original Parish Documents
If you have original documents or photographs framed on a wall, protect them as much as possible. If you are deciding which parish records to keep, please note the Diocesan Record Retention Guidelines, found at: https://doy.org/archives/
Records and certificates for baptisms both before and after adoption
Sacramental records are not open for public viewing.
Bound sacramental registers are the official records, not a database
Catechist Café contains guidance on how to find a sacramental record from a closed or merged parish, and the proper keeping of sacramental records.
Questions about what to save or dispose of in parish records?
Do you want to know what to save in your parish records? Not sure where your sacramental records reside? The Archives Office can help!
Can You Change a Sacramental Register?
When and how can you change a sacramental register? Find out more from the Archives Office.
Do Not Modify Sacramental Records
Once entered in a sacramental register, data is considered official and permanent. It may not be modified except under special conditions. Original data should never be scratched out, erased, whited out or otherwise destroyed or obliterated.
