Diocesan Archives: Preserving the History and Legacy of the Church
Diocesan Archive serves as the official repository for the historical and administrative records of a Catholic Diocese. The Archive works with the Catholic Center, parishes, and schools to preserve documents that reflect the mission of the Church, including sacramental registers, clergy files, correspondence, parish records, and other materials that document the spiritual, cultural, and administrative life of the Diocese of Raleigh and Catholicism in North Carolina.
Archivists working in Diocesan Archives are responsible for collecting, organizing, preserving, and providing access to these records. They ensure that historically significant documents are safeguarded while also managing policies that balance transparency with confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive materials. Diocesan archivists may assist researchers, clergy, and parish staff in locating historical information, support legal and canonical inquiries, and develop guidelines for records management within the Diocese. Their work ensures that the Church’s history is accurately maintained for future generations while supporting the operational needs of the present.
For Researchers
All are welcome to use the collections housed in the Archives by appointment and in accordance with canon law, civil law, and conservation needs.
Hours: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please contact the Archivist to schedule a research appointment. Researchers are encouraged to discuss their research topics or objectives with the staff when scheduling their appointments.
There is no fee for remote research services, copies, or scans. For copyright information and permission please contact the director or the archivist.
Ask an archivist
Direct questions to askanarchivist@raldioc.org.
- Anyone seeking sacramental records should contact the parish first. Those from military families should contact the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.
- Anyone seeking researched information should allow up to two weeks for a response.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Office of the Archives is to collect, preserve, and make available the records of the diocese. As the official repository of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, the Office of the Archives serves to retain the memory of the diocese from its establishment in 1924, as well as the history of Catholicism in North Carolina. The Office of the Archives is maintained in accordance with Canon 482, which charges the Chancellor with this responsibility.
The Office of the Archives is a professional facility that exists first and foremost for the support of diocesan administration. These materials are extended to researchers in accordance with canon law, civil law, and conservation needs.
Collection Development Policy
The Office of the Archives collects, preserves, and makes available for research diocesan records, documents, artifacts, and other works of enduring value concerning the work and history of the Catholic Church within North Carolina. Official diocesan records are defined as all recorded information, regardless of media type or characteristics, made or received and maintained by an agency, institution, or office pursuant to the legal obligations or in the transaction of diocesan activities.
Agencies and institutions are considered those administrative units which perform specific functions and maintain an operational relationship to the bishop. Offices are the administrative units designed to assist the bishop in the administration of the diocese and maintains a reportorial relationship with the bishop. Such agencies and institutions may be operated by religious orders of men and/or women, laymen and/or women, parishes, and schools but remain under the rubric of the diocese.