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Diocese of Baton Rouge

Procedures for Requesting Copies of Sacramental Records
and/or Genealogy Information

The Department of the Archives of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is able to provide copies of older Catholic sacramental records and genealogy information for the twelve civil parishes of Louisiana in and around the Baton Rouge area: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupée, St. Helena, St. James, Tangipahoa, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana. Catholic records from all other Louisiana civil parishes should be requested from the archives departments in their respective dioceses.

However, please NOTE: The Department of the Archives only houses sacramental registers of baptisms, marriages, and burial records up to about 1920. Later registers still remain in the custody of the individual Catholic Church parishes.

This department houses sacramental registers of baptisms, marriages, and burial records up to about 1920. Later registers still remain in the custody of the individual Catholic Church parishes.

The Archives of the Diocese of Baton Rouge has published all of its sacramental records from 1707 through 1900 in a 23-volume set entitled Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic Church Records. Any or all of these volumes may be purchased from the Archives department: click here for an Order Form.

Those simply seeking family information can frequently consult these volumes at their local library or at the State Archives, and thus save the expense of a search/certificate fee. If a record does not appear under the family surnames and surname variations listed in these volumes, it is not found in the Archives. Other exceptions are some slave/Indian records that have not yet been published. A research request for information after 1900 must include a town or name of a Catholic Parish church. A general search cannot be accommodated.

All requests for copies of sacramental records and/or genealogy information are handled by mail, e-mail or fax. Telephone requests are not accepted. Requests should be sent to:

The Archives provides certified copies of original records and, in most instances, microfilm copies. Certificates contain the information included in the original sacramental register just as the information was recorded. The certificate reproduces faithfully the information contained in the original entry, but does not certify the accuracy of the information of the entry or the correct spelling of names. Certified copies of original records are marked "For Genealogical Purposes Only," and are not intended to be used for legal purposes or warranted for this. Copies from microfilm of original registers are often available. Because of fading or page deterioration, some microfilm copies may be illegible.

In order to process research requests quickly and efficiently, the Archives Department requires that its Genealogy Records Request Form be used and completed as thoroughly as possible. Each letter should include no more than five (5) specific requests. Please note that letters requesting more than five items will be returned unprocessed.

Payment should be made by check or money order (US currency only), made payable to the Diocese of Baton Rouge. No requests will be processed without proper payment.

Fees are as follows:

Certificates are US$5 each, and each contains the official seal. Certified Microfilm copies are US$10 each. (Please note that the record requested may be in French or Spanish.)

Research fees of US$15 per hour are charged if research requires more than fifteen minutes. Any desired limits on time spent should be specified on requests.

Any problems encountered by the Archives in processing requests or finding information will be communicated to clients, but refunds cannot be provided.

Please note: the Department of the Archives is not open to the public for general research. Appointments are absolutely required for any research by specialists or others which must occur on site. Please telephone the Archives at 225-387-0561 for further information.

If you are in need of your own sacramental record please see our Sacramental Records Access Policy. You will then need to complete the Authorization for Release of Information Form.

Click here to download a copy of these Procedure for Requesting Copies of Sacramental Records For Genealogical Purposes

[Revised December 2007]