3 minute read
Archives History of Parish Ministry Bringing Memories to Life for Our Community
Founded 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.
Advertisement
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.”
The archives hold an array of information that has been collected throughout the decades from various sources.
“Our viewers will see that the history of the Cathedral of Christ the King lives and breathes in multiple formats,” Jerry says.
A common misconception about the archives is that it’s simply a catalog of old, written files. Instead, the archival material is a collection of documents, photographs, blueprints, and other key artifacts.
“The archives are a way to look to the past, recognize the present and improve the future,” says Rosie Mandea, a longtime member of the ministry.
Another ministry member, Don Martina has found many pictures of his family and friends, which have led him to relive memories that may have been lost without the archives.
“This is the true purpose of the archives, to bring back memories and honor them,” Don says.
Celebrating the dedication of the archive storage space
Celebrating the dedication of the archive storage space
