Chancery

The primary function of the Chancery staff is to serve the archdiocese in matters of church law (canon law) and administration. The Chancery grants marriage dispensations and handles cases of marriages attempted outside the Church. Staff members respond to inquiries about sacramental issues, such as questions regarding Catholic weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

Chancery staff members assist people in comprehending canon law, especially the values in which it is rooted and the spirit which guides it. The goal of the Chancery is to bring a pastoral understanding to the application of canon law in people's lives and in the Church's institutions.

Chancery staff members process requests for papal blessings and papal audiences.

The Chancery Office handles the process by which parishes receive authorization for extraordinary, administrative matters. The Chancery also records and authorizes the results of parish trustee elections.

The Archives Office, under the direction of the Chancellor, handles important historic records and artifacts. Visit the Archives page for more information.