Click on the following to find the answers to your questions:

FAQs about records and record searches

FAQs about marriage dispensations

Other FAQs

FAQs about records and record searches

Where can I find my baptismal record?

What if I do not have any information on my baptism?

Where are records of closed parishes kept? Where are the records for parishes that have merged with another parish kept?

Is there a fee for obtaining certificates from the Chancery?

Can I request a genealogical search for older records?


Q: Where can I find my baptismal record?
A: If you know the church of your baptism, contact that parish directly for a certificate of baptism.
     If you do not know the church of your baptism, you can contact the Chancery Office. Have the following information available:

• Where did your family live at the time of your baptism: Brooklyn? Queens? What neighborhood? Street address?
• What are your parents’ names?
• Do you have any other information that would be helpful to search the record?

If a record is found, it will be forwarded to you.

Q: What if I do not have any information on my baptism?
A: If you do not know anything about your baptism, a general search is placed in the Chancery Newsletter, which is sent to all diocesan parishes and agencies eleven times a year. Please provide as much information as possible for this kind of search.
Q: Where are records of closed parishes kept? Where are the records for parishes that have merged with another parish kept?
A: Records of closed parishes are kept in the Chancery Office. Records for parishes that have merged are kept at the merged parish.
Q: Is there a fee for obtaining certificates from the Chancery?
A: There is no set fee, but a donation is appreciated.
Q: Can I request a genealogical search for older records?
A: You may contact the parish where you believe records would be for your ancestors. The parish may ask for a fee or donation for the research. If you do not know the parish, the request may be placed in the Chancery Newsletter.




FAQs about marriage dispensations

What is a "dispensation" and who needs one to get married?

Where do I get a dispensation or a permission?

Can I be married outside a Church building?

What if I am to be married abroad or in another diocese?


Q: What is a "dispensation" and who needs one to get married?
A: The law of the Catholic Church requires a Catholic who is marrying a non-Catholic to get either a dispensation or a permission. A dispensation is a relaxation of the law that requires a Catholic to marry a Catholic. When a Catholic is entering a marriage with a non-baptized person, a dispensation is granted. When a Catholic is entering a marriage with a baptized non-Catholic Christian a permission is granted.


Q: Where do I get a dispensation or a permission?
A: When a couple wants to marry, they must contact their parish priest at least six months before the proposed wedding date. He will discuss your plans and let you know if you need a dispensation or a permission. He will send all the paperwork to the Chancery Office.


Q: Can I be married outside a Church building?
A: Catholics must be married in a church since it is the proper place to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. A Catholic who marries a non-Catholic Christian may choose to be married in the non-Catholic church by the non-Catholic minister with a dispensation. A Catholic who marries a non-baptized person may choose to be married in another suitable location with permission. Marriages under Catholic auspices are never permitted outdoors or under a tent or gazebo or the like.


Q: What if I am to be married abroad or in another Diocese?
A: If you are planning to be married outside the Diocese of Brooklyn, contact your parish priest who will forward all the paperwork to this Chancery Office. We will process it and forward it to the Chancery of the diocese where you plan to be married.



Other FAQs

Q: How can I have information on sacramental records changed?
A: The first step in this process is to bring the problem to the priest or pastoral minister or secretary in your parish. All requests for the changes must be referred to the Chancery. The parish will contact the Chancery and forward documentation indicating the changes to be made. Sometimes changes involve the closing of a record in the parish. In that case, the Chancery Office will issue certificates.