Connection The
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Archives/History of Parish Ministry Bringing Memories to Life for Our Community
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Celebrating the dedication of the archive storage space
All are encouraged to visit the archives. The history of the parish is meant to be shared and celebrated by all of us. The archives unite us and can strengthen our present community. To access the digital archive site, please visit https://ctkarchives.cathedralctk.org/. To access the physical archives, make an appointment by emailing CTKarchive@cdlex.org. The Archives/History of Parish Ministry welcomes new volunteers. If you are interested in joining the ministry and preserving the history of the Cathedral, please email Jerry directly at Jerrylex1@yahoo.com. 4
ounded in 1945, the Cathedral of Christ the King is filled with a rich history — a history that the Archives/History of Parish Ministry is dedicated to preserving. “Our parish and parishioners have a story that deserves to be preserved and honored,” says Jerry Ruddy, ministry leader. The Archives/History of Parish Ministry’s mission is to catalog the historical artifacts and records related to the Cathedral, so that they may be shared with all in the community and protected for future generations. Those who access the archives will find a window into the past that will certainly inspire and ignite an appreciation of the parish. Jerry remembers an instance when a man used the archives to find pictures of his fiancée’s First Holy Communion. “We were able to find the photographs and assist him in surprising his now-wife in such a memorable way,” Jerry says. Currently, the Archives/History of Parish Ministry is in the process of digitizing the entire catalog of documents and historical materials in order to make them accessible online. The newly revamped digital archive site is open to all parishioners and the public. This interactive online platform allows visitors to view the history of the parish and school. On the site, the ministry will be hosting digital exhibits and updating the archives blog. Visitors to the site can also contribute to the Cathedral’s archives by submitting artifacts through the site’s “contribution” portal. While some parts of the collection are still in the process of being digitized, the public can access these pieces of information by scheduling an appointment and visiting the physical archives. “We encourage parishioners to frequently visit the digital archives for updates,” Jerry says. “There you can find brief descriptions of our collection through the ‘Digital Archives Guide,’ which is our finding aid to navigate the digital and physical archives.” continued on page 5
