It is the policy of each diocese to identify, properly arrange, maintain, and safeguard records required to conduct its spiritual and temporal affairs. Each parish is obligated, under Canon Law, to have parochial registers of baptisms, marriages, and deaths, and any other registers prescribed by the conference of bishops, or the local bishop. It is the obligation of each pastor to see that these registers are accurately inscribed and carefully preserved (Canon 535), and it is the responsibility of the diocese, acting in and through the pastors of the various parishes, to supervise how these records are used, by whom, and for what purpose.
The publication of the Sacramental Records Handbook (MS Word, Adobe PDF) of the Diocese of Charleston is intended to help parish clergy and personnel satisfy the serious obligation of properly maintaining, recording, and preserving sacramental records. While it is not being promulgated as particular law, its provisions should be observed. Of course, the dictates of Canon Law, as well as federal and state law, always apply.
Please note that forms referenced in the manual are available for download from the Documents & Forms page of this website.
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