FUNCTION

The Archives serves as the repository for the papers of the Bishops of the Diocese as well as for the papers of other important diocesan officials such as the Vicar General, the Vicar for the Curia, the Chancellor, etc., documents important to the history of the churches, parishes, and diocesan schools, and Catholic hospitals and health facilities that were once located in the diocese. Photographs and biographical data on the bishops, priests and religious who have served in the diocese, printed records, audio and video tapes of special ceremonies and diocesan activities are also included in the Archives’ holdings. Sacramental records from parishes that have closed rather than being merged with another parish, from college and university campus facilities, and from St. Peter Home are also housed in the Archives as are copies of diocesan directories and Catholic Directories.

Copies of all issues of the Diocesan newspapers, from the early bulletin type, through the first printed newspaper size paper, COMMON SENSE to the current West Tennessee Catholic newspaper are stored in the Archives along with reduced copies of blueprints of all churches, schools, convents, rectories, family life and other activity facilities within the diocese. Records from St. Peter Orphanage, later St. Peter Home, are also here as are papers, scrapbooks and various memorabilia of major diocesan organizations and clubs. A few historical books and manuscripts as well as artifacts of the bishops and others who have served the diocese are preserved in the Archives.