Sacramental Records

If you prefer to mail your completed form, click here for printable PDF version.    .

If your grandfather was married by a military priest-chaplain during World War I, you may find a copy of his marriage record at the Military Archdiocese. Since its founding in 1917, the Military Archdiocese has been the central repository for the records of all sacraments administered to Catholics in the United States Armed Forces at home and overseas. The Archdiocese currently maintains approximately 2.7 million records. The management of those records is the responsibility of the Sacramental Records Department.

The largest department in the Archdiocese, Sacramental Records is responsible for receiving, indexing, and entering data, and issuing certificates of all sacraments administered by priest-chaplains at military and Veteran Affairs installations in the United States and around the world, on land and on sea. Three full-time employees respond to 25 to 30,000 requests each year for copies of sacramental records from Diocesan Tribunals, parishes, military personnel - active or retired, and their families. The staff produces approximately 10,000 sacramental certificates each year in response to these requests. Most requests are for certificates of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation and Marriage.

Requests for sacramental certificates may be made by e-mail (preferable), Fax (202.269.1002), Phone (202.719.3605) or written request. Request forms for sacramental certificates are available on this Website in the "Forms" section.

If you prefer to mail your completed form, click here, for printable PDF version.