Sacramental Records

Access Policy

The Diocese of Saginaw Archive is a private entity, whose first obligation is to the Bishop and the Chancery. Many records will have access restrictions imposed by Canon Law and unlike governmental records, are not subject to the “Freedom of Information Act”.

Sacramental Record Policy

Sacramental records are considered private records that were created under circumstances that are presumed personal and confidential. Access to these records is restricted; only the individual for whom the record(s) pertains has the right to obtain information contained in them.

The Sacramental records are kept at the parishes in which the Sacrament was performed and a Baptismal Register copy is in the Archives. To obtain a certified copy of your Sacramental record, please contact the parish in which the Sacrament was performed. If the parish has been closed, then please see Parish Record Location listing below.

Information is open for genealogists for the following Sacramental Records:

• Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation – pre-1922
• Marriage – pre-1952
• Death/Funeral – pre-1977

Sacramental and Child Placement records after December 31, 1922, as well as all student files are restricted and only available to:

• The person named in the record (18+)
• A parent or legal guardian of the person named in the record (if person is under 18 or incapacitated)
• Third parties designated by a court order, subpoena, summons, or statute.

Sacramental Record Locations