Genealogy Research

Preserving the Sacred History of Our Faith Community

Sacramental Records

Within the context of the Roman Catholic Church, sacramental registers are the records most often consulted when tracing one’s family tree.

Sacramental records are of both a private and a public nature:

  • They are private, in that they were created in circumstances presumed to be private and confidential.
  • They are public, in that they will stand in civil law as valid and authentic evidence when an appropriate civil record does not exist.

A sacramental record indicates an individual’s canonical status—namely, their status in the Church as it relates to the sacraments they have received, including Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, and, in the case of death, whether the Rite of Christian Burial was performed.

Baptism

  1. Name of the individual at the time of baptism
  2. Name of parents including mother’s maiden name
  3. Date and place of birth
  4. Date and place of baptism
  5. Name of sponsors
  6. Name of priest who conferred the baptism

Confirmation

  1. Name of the individual
  2. Occasionally the age and gender of the individual
  3. Date and place of baptism
  4. Date and place of confirmation
  5. Name of the parents
  6. Name of sponsors
  7. Name of bishop or priest who conferred the confirmation

Marriage

  1. Name of the groom
  2. Maiden name of the bride
  3. Names of parents of the groom and the bride
  4. Date of marriage
  5. Name of the priest who officiated the wedding
  6. Name of witnesses
  7. Occasionally the place of baptism of the groom and the bride

Burial

  1. Name of the individual
  2. Date of death
  3. Occasionally the age at death
  4. Name of witness
  5. Name of officiating clergy
  6. Sacrament or service received
  7. Occasionally burial date and place

Researchers are advised that the language used in the records made available for research is predominantly French and written in cursive handwriting. The records may include words and descriptions that reflect the language and attitudes of the historical period in which they were written.

How to Obtain Information from Sacramental Registers

The Archives provides assistance to genealogy researchers. Researchers may access digitized sacramental registers in the Archives Reading Room or submit a request for staff to complete a search.

There are policies and procedures regarding sacramental records and genealogy research, and all researchers are requested to review them prior to commencing or making a request:

In-Person Research

The Archives Reading Room is open for research on select Tuesdays and Thursdays each month between 9–11:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m.

An appointment is necessary to ensure that a computer is available for one’s use.

A completed User Agreement Form is required prior to accessing the records. There is no research fee; however, fees do apply to the reproduction of records. Please contact Archives staff for more information.

Email: archives@caedm.ca
Phone: 780-469-1010 ext. 2144

The digitized version of the registers from the following parishes is available for research. Click on a parish name below to access the finding aid that lists the sacraments and dates:

Search Requests

Researchers who are unable to visit in person may submit their research requests to the Archives. Priority is given to requests for legal purposes, Metis citizenship, or Treaty status applications—these services are free of charge. For all other purposes, a non-refundable fee of $50 per request applies, regardless of search outcome.

Submit completed forms along with the Family Tree Form to: archives@caedm.ca

While we endeavour to respond to requests as promptly as possible, please allow a minimum of three weeks for processing. For requests requiring payment, the search will begin once payment is received.