Identity area
Identifier
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Other form(s) of name
- Archives of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St John's
- ARCASJ
Type
- Religious
Contact area
Type
Address
Street address
Locality
Region
Country name
Postal code
Telephone
Fax
URL
Note
Description area
History
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John's was erected as a Vicariate Apostolic by Pope Pius VI on December 5, 1795. This new Vicariate was placed under the care of Reverend James O'Donel, O.F.M., who later became the first Bishop of Newfoundland. In June 1847, St. John's was established as a Diocese. Internal evidence suggests that the Reverend Michael Howley, the first native born Bishop of the Archdiocese was instrumental in laying the foundation of the Archdiocesan Archives. He was a renowned historian, writer, lecturer, poet and people's advocate who preserved not only his own papers, but the papers and documents of the earlier Catholic bishops in Newfoundland.
Geographical and cultural context
Mandates/Sources of authority
It is the responsibility of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. John's under Canon Law (the law of the Church) to maintain a diocesan archives where documents concerning the spiritual and temporal affairs of this diocese are stored. The purpose for maintaining the archives is to centralize, organize, preserve, protect and make available the records and materials which pertain to the origin, history, spirit, and growth of the Archdiocese. Where applicable, Canon Law shall govern the maintenance, organization and preservation, or use of the Archdiocesan Archives. Where Canon Law does not apply approved policies set out in the Policies and Procedures manual adopted in April 1994 shall govern.
Administrative structure
Records management and collecting policies
Buildings
Holdings
The Archdiocesan Archives is the main repository for the historical and contemporary documents of the Roman Catholic Church in Newfoundland.
The holdings of the Archdiocesan Archives are divided into the following categories:
-Papers of the Bishops (1784 1979)
-Clergy fonds
-Estates and Wills
-Parishes of the Archdiocese (Historical Sketches of most parishes are available.)
-Educational Records and Reports
-The Monitor (1934 1996)
-Photographs
-Parish baptism, marriage and mortuary records (1763 1850)
-Architectural descriptions and blueprints.
Finding aids, guides and publications
A guide to the collections of the Archives is available to researchers for examination at the Archives, upon request. Finding aids are available for processed collections.
Access area
Opening times
Open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Appointments are required as there is limited research space.
Access conditions and requirements
Advance notice of extensive research is required.
Accessibility
Services area
Research services
Inquiries are handled by mail, e-mail, fax or telephone, or by visit.
Reproduction services
Public areas
Control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation, revision and deletion
Created - April 10, 2013
Language(s)
- English
Script(s)
Sources
2001 ANLA Member Institutions Directory