Welcome to the Archives of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The Archives is the official repository for the records of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and serves as the memory of the established Catholic Church in this area. The Archives is centrally located at the Cardinal Rigali Center where materials are properly cared for in a climate-controlled environment. The Archives supports the larger mission of the Archdiocese through the following mission.
Mission
As the Archdiocese of St. Louis is called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be His Church and live His gospel, the Archives Office is called to be a responsible steward of Church records. The Archives provides a professional repository that identifies and collects, organizes and preserves, and provides access to all historically and canonically significant, non-current documents, artifacts and other works of enduring value pertaining to the operation of the Archdiocese, its parishes, agencies, institutions and people. The Archives makes available and extends its materials to researchers as permitted by canon law, civil law and conservation considerations.
News and Feature Stories
The Archives is enhancing its list of closed parishes with the addition of historical information and photographs of the churches when available. The list of closed parishes has traditionally included the address of the church and the dates of operation. With the assistance of a high school community service volunteer, we have gathered information on whether the church buildings of closed parishes are still standing and, if so, what they are used for today. Another volunteer is assisting with the scanning of extant photographs in the collection. The project is expected to be completed within the year. We will soon begin regularly featuring one parish story each week at this site.
History and Genealogy
The Archives makes the heritage of the Archdiocese of St. Louis available to historical researchers within the guidelines of civil and canon law. The Archives staff view genealogical research as a legitimate and important effort in assisting individuals to place themselves and their families within the context of the history of the church. Staff will assist these researchers within the constraints of available financial, equipment, space and staff resources. The Archives is committed to the promotion of education, exhibit and other outreach activities. In so doing, the Archives strives to promote the study and understanding of local church history and traditions within the context of the larger American culture.
Archdiocesan Support
The Archdiocesan Archives is a service organization that exists first and foremost for its usefulness to the archdiocesan administration. Therefore, it is the primary purpose of the archival function to assist the Archbishop, Chancery, and all offices and agencies of the Archdiocese with the information necessary to fulfill their responsibilities. As the corporate archives of the Archdiocese, the Archives receive deposits from the various agencies, ministries and parishes as well as the chancery. The Archives assists these units with identifying historical information.
Sacramental Records
The baptism and marriage records of the Roman Catholic Church are iterative records in that an individual’s baptism register also includes confirmation, marriage, religious vows and holy orders. Marriage records include subsequent annulment information. Canon 535 currently requires each parish to keep the baptism, confirmation, marriage and death registers. The Statutes of the Archdiocese of St. Louis require that the parish maintain a register for First Communion. The Archives updates the registers of closed parishes and issues current certificates to the individuals named in the registers of the closed parishes. Records prior to 1930 are considered historical records and do not require a signed release from the person named in the record to obtain a copy.
I hope you will take the time to explore the resources available and to learn more about our programs and services. We value your comments and suggestions.
Thank you for visiting the Archives of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Audrey P. Newcomer, M.S., M.P.A., C.A., Director
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