Curia Corner — Archives Office helps pastors and parishes with cohesive recording

By Kathy Cordes
Diocesan Archivist

Artifacts only make up about half of our diocesan archives. Largely, the administrative role of an archivist is to help our parishes, clergy and people interested in the history of a parish. Research tops my favorites list.

With the Men in Black basketball game at the end of January, researching the details of the program this week was a hoot! This basketball game is a partnership between the diocesan Office of Vocations and the Rapid City Catholic School System and serves as the kickoff for Catholic Schools week. This fundraiser is a highlight of the year. Watch for my #tbt Facebook posts to learn and see more throwback Thursday posts showing photos of past games and then plan to attend this year’s game.

I also create records folders and records of diocesan history. When Deacon Robert Kinyon was ordained a Transitional Deacon, the archives began permanent files for his priesthood. Currently, these include his resume and photos. After his priestly ordination, the archives will link him together with the parishes he serves for all eternity, in God’s name.

Two of our seminarians, Josiah Hanson and Blane Schriock recently visited the Chancery to gain a deeper understanding of how our diocesan offices work. When visiting with them concerning the archives, I presented them with the “We Walk by Faith” history book. We also discussed my work pertaining to sacramental records and teaching parishes how to follow standardized directions in order to remain cohesive on these policies. This text also contains Canon Law and how it applies to these records. It is a guide for all parishes and clergy in the sacramental records process.

Visiting with Fr. Adam Hofer on annual documents that need to be filed, he said “It was very helpful for me as a pastor to see that I am filing all of the yearly reports that are needed.”

The seminarians are also interested in parish history. Josiah, a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rapid City, and Blane, a member of St. Michael Parish in Watauga, were greatly interested in their own churches.

“To see the foundation of our Catholic Church we belong too was fascinating. I can’t believe we are a part of that. God willing, Josiah and I will continue with that tradition,” said Schriock.