Archives
The Diocesan Archives’ mission is to collect, organize, and preserve the official and ancillary records which have been created by or pertain to the Diocese of Buffalo, its officials, associated offices, parishes and institutions. It is the Archive’s duty to serve and support the Bishop of Buffalo, diocesan offices and Catholic parish community.
Sacramental Records Policy
The Diocesan Archives can issue Sacramental Certificates only to the person whose name is on the sacramental record, or to a legitimate guardian or Pastoral Minister seeking the record for Sacramental or legal purposes (excluding dual citizenship requests).
These official records can be sent only to a postal mailing address and cannot be sent electronically. Identifying information including date of birth, names of parents, and Church where the Sacrament was administered must be provided.
Requesting Sacramental Certificates
Requests are accepted via phone, email, or mail.
Diocese of Buffalo Archives
801 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14203
716.847.5567
Office Hours*
Monday 10am – 2pm
Wednesday 10am – 2pm
Thursday 10am – 2pm
* Office hours are subject to change based on staffing availability.
Churches on Record in the Archives
- Assumption Church (Lackawanna)
- City of Buffalo Churches closed before 1994
- Erie Community College (North & South)
- Newman Center Campus Ministry (All Sites)
*Please note merged churches are not housed in the Archives. A complete listing of merged and closed churches in the Diocese is located at the bottom of this page or within the Catholic Directory.
Genealogical and Family History Studies
The Diocesan Archives does not offer supportive services for genealogy or family history studies. We recommend contacting the following organizations to assist with research:
Dual Citizenship
The Diocesan Archives does not offer supportive services for Dual Citizenship.
Historical Research and Public Access
The Diocese of Buffalo Archives is closed to public access.
Looking for records from a merged, closed, or renamed parish?
Records can be obtained by contacting the parish that currently holds the relevant records. For further information on how to reach the parishes, in addition to the phone number provided below, please refer to the Catholic Directory and locate the parish in the corresponding PDF document.
Contact the Archive Office
Office Hours*
Monday 10am – 2pm
Wednesday 10am – 2pm
Thursday 10am – 2pm
* Office hours are subject to change based on staffing availability.
Churches on Record in the Archives
- Assumption Church (Lackawanna)
- City of Buffalo Churches closed before 1994
- Erie Community College (North & South)
- Newman Center Campus Ministry (All Sites)
*Please note merged churches are not housed in the Archives.
