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Sacramental records are one of the most valuable resources for genealogical research. These records are composed of baptismal, marriage and burial registers.
Sacramental records are not maintained in the diocesan Archives. In accordance with Canon Law (Can. 535 §1), these records are to be kept in the parish where the sacrament was conferred or from where the burial took place. In the event that a parish has closed, it is the practice of the Diocese of Richmond that the sacramental records of the closed parish are transferred and maintained by the parish that took over the closed parish’s geographical territory.
Registers containing sacramental records are not open to the public for research. If an individual needs information from her or his own record or that of a family member to celebrate a sacrament, a request should be made to the Church of Baptism. If the name of the parish where the sacrament was conferred is known, please contact that parish directly. Contact information for all current parishes in the Diocese can be found on the Diocesan website.
If the name of the parish is not known or if the parish has been closed, please contact the diocesan Archives for assistance in identifying and locating the parish where the sacramental records might be kept.
Each parish determines policy regarding research for genealogical and/or personal information. Requests should again be submitted to the appropriate parish. Turn-around response times and fees vary per parish.
For further information, contact the diocesan archivist:
Telephone: (804) 359-5661 ext. 218
Post: Diocesan Archives, 7800 Carousel Lane, Richmond, VA 23294