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Roman Catholic church records in Pennsylvania

Catholic sacramental records (baptism, marriage) belong to the parish and diocese. Which archive holds them depends on the diocese that covers the county today.

Where the records are

Catholic Historical Research Center of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHRC)

Covers: Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery

6719 Calvert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149 · (215) 904-8149 · archives@chrc-phila.org

Access: Baptism and marriage records before 1920 are online at FindMyPast. Records up to 75 years old can be requested from CHRC by mail form; anything newer comes from the parish. CHRC cannot certify records.

Cost: Sacramental research $20 for one hour (send the form with a $20 check). Scans $1/image. No fee to do your own research in person.

Source: CHRC – Services and Fees, CHRC – Research Request Forms, CHRC – FAQ

Diocese of Pittsburgh Archives and Records Center

Covers: Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, Washington

1050 Logue Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15220 · (412) 456-3158 · archives@diopitt.org

Access: Sacramental records are not open to the public. Staff do genealogy research for a fee; ask for a research request form by mail or phone. Open Mon–Fri 9–4.

Cost: Fee charged (amount not posted on the main page)

Source: Diocese of Pittsburgh – Archives and Records Center

Diocese of Allentown

Covers: Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, Schuylkill

Chancery · 610-437-0755

Access: No online genealogy procedure found. Contact the parish first, then the chancery.

Cost: Unknown

Source: Diocese of Allentown – About, Diocese of Allentown – Contact

Diocese of Harrisburg Archives

Covers: 15 counties including Lancaster and York

4800 Union Deposit Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111 · 717-657-4804 · archives@hbgdiocese.org

Access: Holds parish sacramental records on microfilm and early sacramental books. NOTE: As of October 2026 the diocese says it is not taking new genealogy requests while the department is restructured.

Cost: N/A (paused)

Source: Diocese of Harrisburg – History and Archives, Diocese of Harrisburg – About Our Diocese

Statewide sources for every denomination

Pennsylvania State Archives – Church Records (MG-262) and WPA Inventory of Church Archives

Access: Church records on microfilm, plus the 1937–40 WPA survey that recorded where each congregation's records were kept at the time.

Cost: Contact the State Archives

Source: PA State Archives – MG-262 Church Records (PDF)

Historical Society of Pennsylvania via Ancestry

Access: Church and town records for PA and NJ, 1669–2013, all denominations.

Cost: Ancestry subscription

Source: Ancestry – PA and NJ Church and Town Records, 1669-2013 (HSP), HSP LibGuide – Ancestry

County guides

Philadelphia County Bucks County Montgomery County Chester County Lancaster County Berks County Lehigh County Northampton County York County Allegheny County

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