We hold the records of our Pastoral Centre, as well as a selection of unique collections representing Catholic life and history in the Lower Mainland. We are also responsible for the Records Management and Privacy Programs.

The Archives of the Archdiocese of Vancouver was officially established in 1980 at the request of Archbishop Carney to ensure the preservation of records that have historical and/or long term significance to the Archdiocese. The Archives Office is also responsible for administering the records management program and the privacy program for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The first Archivist of the Archdiocese of Vancouver was Sr. Diana Harsch, SCIC.

The Archives was established by the Archbishop as the official repository for documents of any form made or received by the Archdiocese in the pursuit of its religious and legal obligations and in the transaction of its business. It functions under the authority and direction of the Archbishop and the Chancellor.

Canon 486, para. 1: All documents concerning the diocese of parishes must be kept with the greatest of care.

The Archives of the Archdiocese accepts records, photos, and artifacts of historical significance to the Catholic Church in Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, as well as the Sunshine Coast. For all other records or objects of historical significance, please contact your local archives. Please contact the Archives before donating so that we can decide if the Archdiocese of Vancouver is the right location for the records.

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