Research for Parishes and Archdiocesan Offices and Organizations

Requests from offices, parishes, and organizations within the Archdiocese of Mobile are given priority for research in the archives.

Sacramental Records needed for reception of another sacrament or for an annulment

Most of the current records of sacraments (those 100 years old or fewer) are kept in the parish where the sacrament was administered, and you should inquire directly to that parish for the record.

Exceptions to this are current records that were kept for Hispanic Ministry from 1985-2009 and the closed parishes of St. Patrick, St. Joseph, and Our Lady of Fatima, all of which are in the custody of the Archdiocesan Archives. For these records, contact the Archives.

The archives will try to assist those who do not know which parish to call.
 

General Historical Research

The archives are available to researchers outside the archdiocesan organization ONLY by written request, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Use this form to request permission— fill out the form online or print a paper copy and mail it to the office. 

The archives staff responds to written requests to perform limited historical research at an hourly rate. These are also evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Genealogical and Family History Research

The records for the Cathedral parish from 1704-1739 have been published and are available for purchase by mail. Until more of our records are published, the archives will try to honor requests for individual sacramental information as staff/volunteer time is available.

• Make each request in writing using this form —print, fill out as completely as possible for each record requested, and mail.
• There is a $10 fee to search for each sacramental record requested. This is for the search, so it is payable regardless of whether we are able to find the record.
• Please mail all forms with payment for the total number of requests.
• We can only supply the information contained in the sacramental record (translated where applicable), not an official certificate and not a copy of the original entry.
• We will not honor requests for research of general family lines.