Archives & records

Mission of the Archive

As the Diocese of Fargo is called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be His Church and live His gospel, the Archive Office is called to be responsible stewards of Church records. The Archive provides a professional repository that identifies and collects, organizes and preserves, and provides access to historically and canonically significant, non-current documents, artifacts, and other works of enduring value pertaining to the operation of the Diocese, its parishes, agencies, institutions and people. The Archive makes available and extends its materials to researchers as permitted by canon law, civil law, diocesan policy, and conservation considerations.

Administrative Support

The Diocesan Archive is a service organization that exists first and foremost for its usefulness to the diocesan administration.  Therefore, it is the primary purpose of the archival function to assist the Bishop, Chancery, and all offices and agencies of the diocese with the information necessary to fulfill their responsibilities.  The Archive contains data on individual parishes and assists parishes with historical information. 

History and Genealogy

The Archive makes the heritage of the Diocese of Fargo available to historical researchers within the guidelines of canon, civil, and diocesan law.  The Archive staff view genealogical research as a legitimate and important effort in assisting individuals to place themselves and their families within the context of the history of the church.  They will assist these researchers within the constraints of available financial, equipment, space, and staff resources.

Certain records, including baptism, marriage, and funeral/cemetery records, are maintained by the parish where the ceremony took place.  Please contact the parish for information regarding such records, prior to contacting the Diocese.  If your parish has recently closed, please visit the Sacramental Records page to determine which parish now maintains their register

Orphanage records of former institutions are generally maintained in the offices of Catholic Charities North Dakota (1-701-356-8020). These records are not available for genealogical research by phone or in person, but by postal mail.  Please contact Catholic Charities North Dakota for these types of records.

I hope you will take the time to explore the resources available and to learn more about our programs and services. We value your comments and suggestions.

Thank you for visiting the Archive of the Diocese of Fargo. 

Diocese of Fargo
5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A
Fargo, ND 58104-7605
Phone: 701-356-7900
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© 2002-2012 by the Diocese of Fargo. The Catholic Diocese of Fargo takes full responsibility for the content of this website. Although sincere efforts have been made to offer links only to other websites whose content is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the Diocese of Fargo is not responsible for the content of other websites accessible via links from this website.
website last modified: January 31, 2012.