History & Archives
About the Archives
The purpose of the Archives of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is to collect, organize, preserve, and make available for research the historical and vital records of the Archdiocese, as well as the records of individuals and organizations whose work reflects the work of the Catholic Church within the Archdiocese.
The Archives of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is also the continuation of the social and built history of Eastern Ontario. Therefore, some older records relating to the Outaouais and Laurentides regions of Quebec are part of the collection.
Certificates
In the Catholic Church, a certificate is an official document that confirms that an individual has received a sacrament. It is a precise extract of the non-confidential information that is recorded in the sacramental register.
Authorized requests
Every faithful Christian is entitled to a certificate. Certificates may be requested at any time by a person, him or herself, by the parents of a minor, or by a legal guardian.
How to make a request
This is the procedure for obtaining a certificate:
- If you know the parish in which the sacrament was received, please communicate directly with that parish. If that parish is closed, please communicate with the parish that holds the closed parish’s records.
- If you do not know where the sacrament was received, or if you have any other questions, please communicate in writing with the Archivist.
Birth, marriage and death
For an official certificate of birth, marriage or death, please contact the Ontario Government Office of the Registrar General.
