Mexico Catholic Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Record Description
In 1563 the Council of Trent formalized record keeping practices that were already being followed in much of the Catholic world. Separate record books were to be maintained for baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and deaths,and the format was standard. The Catholic Church, which was established in Mexico in 1527, was the primary record keeper for Mexico until civil registration started.

The vast majority of Mexicans were Catholic and registered in the records of the local parish or diocese, known as registros parroquiales (parish registers). These records include entries for baptisms, marriage information documents, marriages, deaths, and burials. Often two or sometimes three generations are indicated in the registers. The records are usually kept by local parishes. The diocese archives keep records pertaining to their priests and matters of church administration.

Church records are crucial since civil authorities did not begin registering vital statistics until after 1859. For civil vital records of births, deaths, and marriages after 1859, see the Mexico Civil Registration Records wiki page.

Some church records have been lost or have deteriorated due to natural effects such as humidity and insects and more dramatic events such as fires, floods, and earthquakes. Civil and political strife have also caused the destruction of parish books. Some records were destroyed or damaged because of poor storage. However, many records that are considered lost or destroyed have simply been misplaced of misidentified.

It is important to note that individual dioceses were established at different times, therefore records for each diocese vary in range of dates. Here is a list of the years each diocese was established:


 * 1527 - Diocese of Tlaxcala
 * 1530 - Archdiocese of Mexico
 * 1535 - Diocese of Oaxaca
 * 1536 - Diocese of Michoacan
 * 1539 - Diocese of Chiapas
 * 1546 - Archdiocese of Mexico
 * 1548 - Diocese of Guadalajara
 * 1561 - Diocese of Yucatan
 * 1620 - Diocese of Durango
 * 1777 - Diocese of Monterrey
 * 1779 - Diocese of Sonora
 * 1845 - Diocese of Campeche
 * 1854 - Diocese of San Luis Potosi
 * 1862 - Diocese of Chilapa


 * 1862 - Diocese of Queretaro
 * 1863 - Archdiocese of Guadalajara
 * 1863 - Archdiocese of Michoacan
 * 1870 - Diocese of Veracruz
 * 1870 - Diocese of Tamaulipas
 * 1874 - Diocese of Tabasco
 * 1881 - Diocese of Tampico
 * 1891 - Archdiocese of Oaxaca
 * 1891 - Archdiocese of Durango
 * 1891 - Diocese of Chihuahua
 * 1899 - Diocese of Aguascaliente
 * 1903 - Diocese of Puebla
 * 1906 - Diocese of Yucatan}

Record Content
The key genealogical facts found in most baptismal records include the following:
 * Name of the child
 * Place and date of baptism
 * Age
 * Family's place of residence
 * Name of parents
 * Legitimacy
 * Godparents
 * Grandparents

The key genealogical facts found in most marriage records include the following:
 * Groom's name
 * Groom's age, marital status, residence
 * Bride's name
 * Bride's age, marital status, residence
 * Parents' names
 * Parents' birthplace

The key genealogical facts found in most death and burial records include the following:
 * Name of the deceased
 * Date and place of burial or death
 * Age, place of residence, marital status
 * Cause of death
 * Name of survivors

The key genealogical facts found in most confirmation registers include the following:
 * Name of the individual
 * Godparents
 * Parents' names
 * Name of the parish

How to Use the Record
To effectively use these records, follow these steps: 1 - Search for the relative or ancestor you have selected. If you find a record you will find out the parents' names. 2 - Use the parents' names to locate any siblings. 3 - Search for the parents' marriage. This will often lead to the parents' baptismal records. 4 - Estimate the parents' age and search for their baptismal record. 5 - Repeat this process for both the father and mother.

Search the Collection
To search the collection using the browse you will need to follow this series of links: ⇒ Select the "Browse" link in the initial search page ⇒ Select the "_____________" category ⇒ Select the "_____________" category ⇒ Select the "_____________" category which takes you to the images

Tips to Keep in Mind

 * If earlier generations are not in the record, search neighboring parishes.