Collection

website_pictures_002.jpgArchival records are, in the strictest sense of the word, unique as they are the original documents produced in the conduct of diocesan business. Documentary materials produced in the course of diocesan life and activity belong in the Archdiocesan Archives regardless of media type or characteristics. The Archdiocesan Archives has the responsibility to secure the custody of these records, to organize and safeguard them and to administer them in accordance with civil and canon law. The archival materials in the Archdiocesan Archives collection are housed in closed stacks. The entire collection of archival materials is organized according to the format of the National Archives into Record Groups, Series and Items. For guidelines on actual use of the collection refer to the Access Policy.

Primary Sources

  • Records of the Archbishops/Bishops and Auxiliary Bishops (See also Shepherds of the Flock)
  • Records of the Chancery Office
  • Information on Parishes
  • Information on Archdiocesan Agencies, Institutions, Religious Communities and Catholic Organizations
  • Biographical Information of Deceased Secular Clergy
  • U.S. Hierarchy
  • Historical Material
  • Sacramental Registers of Closed Parishes
  • Sacramental Records on Microfilm (see Sacramental Records Policy)
  • St. Joseph Home for Boys 1829-2001

Secondary Sources
While the Archives contains largely original and unique materials, it also contains secondary materials which shed light on the Catholic experience in the St. Louis Area.

  • Newspapers on Microfilm (35 mm)
    • The Western Watchman (1872-1924)
    • The Sunday Watchman (1925-1933)
    • The St. Louis Register (1941-1956)
    • Oriflamme (1916-1952)
    • The St. Louis Review (1957-2005)
  • Directories (such as, the Official Catholic Directory from 1822 to the present and the Archdiocesan Yearbooks from 1948 to the present) are located in the reading room.
  • Various secondary reference books are located in the reading room.