ST. PETER"S METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

ST. PETER"S METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL
Seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao
The Chancery Department of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuguegarao is the Secretariat of the diocese. One of its functions is to receive documents and authorize changes and corrections in the registers of baptism, confirmation and marriage. In addition, it is also tasked with reviewing documents and issuing dispensation for marriage banns, permits for mixed marriages, marriages between local and foreign nationals and other related documents falling within the competence of Chancellors.

OFFICIAL SEAL

Contact Information

Address:
The Chancery Department
Arzobispado nat Tuguegarao
Rizal St., Tuguegarao City
3500 Cagayan North, Philippines

Telephone Number:
+63-78-8441663

Telefax:
+63-78-8461705

E-mail:
chanceryrcat@lycos.com

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30-11:45/ 2:00-5:00

FROM THE HOLY FATHER


URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI
EASTER 2008

Resurrexi, et adhuc tecum sum. Alleluia! - I have risen, I am still with you. Alleluia! Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus, crucified and risen, repeats this joyful proclamation to us today: the Easter proclamation. Let us welcome it with deep wonder and gratitude!
Resurrexi et adhuc tecum sum – I have risen, I am still with you, for ever. These words, taken from an ancient version of Psalm 138 (v. 18b), were sung at the beginning of today’s Mass. In them, at the rising of the Easter sun, the Church recognizes the voice of Jesus himself who, on rising from death, turns to the Father filled with gladness and love, and exclaims: My Father, here I am! I have risen, I am still with you, and so I shall be for ever; your Spirit never abandoned me. In this way we can also come to a new understanding of other passages from the psalm: “If I climb the heavens, you are there; if I descend into the underworld, you are there … Even darkness is not dark for you, and the night is as clear as day; for you, darkness is like light” (Ps 138:8,12). It is true: in the solemn Easter vigil, darkness becomes light, night gives way to the day that knows no sunset. The death and resurrection of the Word of God incarnate is an event of invincible love, it is the victory of that Love which has delivered us from the slavery of sin and death. It has changed the course of history, giving to human life an indestructible and renewed meaning and value.
“I have risen and I am still with you, for ever.” These words invite us to contemplate the risen Christ, letting his voice resound in our heart. With his redeeming sacrifice, Jesus of Nazareth has made us adopted children of God, so that we too can now take our place in the mysterious dialogue between him and the Father. We are reminded of what he once said to those who were listening: “All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him” (Mt 11:27). In this perspective, we note that the words addressed by the risen Jesus to the Father on this day – “I am still with you, for ever” – apply indirectly to us as well, “children of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (cf. Rom 8:17). Through the death and resurrection of Christ, we too rise to new life today, and uniting our voice with his, we proclaim that we wish to remain for ever with God, our infinitely good and merciful Father.
In this way we enter the depths of the Paschal mystery. The astonishing event of the resurrection of Jesus is essentially an event of love: the Father’s love in handing over his Son for the salvation of the world; the Son’s love in abandoning himself to the Father’s will for us all; the Spirit’s love in raising Jesus from the dead in his transfigured body. And there is more: the Father’s love which “newly embraces” the Son, enfolding him in glory; the Son’s love returning to the Father in the power of the Spirit, robed in our transfigured humanity. From today’s solemnity, in which we relive the absolute, once-and-for-all experience of Jesus’s resurrection, we receive an appeal to be converted to Love; we receive an invitation to live by rejecting hatred and selfishness, and to follow with docility in the footsteps of the Lamb that was slain for our salvation, to imitate the Redeemer who is “gentle and lowly in heart”, who is “rest for our souls” (cf. Mt 11:29).
Dear Christian brothers and sisters in every part of the world, dear men and women whose spirit is sincerely open to the truth, let no heart be closed to the omnipotence of this redeeming love! Jesus Christ died and rose for all; he is our hope – true hope for every human being. Today, just as he did with his disciples in Galilee before returning to the Father, the risen Jesus now sends us everywhere as witnesses of his hope, and he reassures us: I am with you always, all days, until the end of the world (cf. Mt 28:20). Fixing the gaze of our spirit on the glorious wounds of his transfigured body, we can understand the meaning and value of suffering, we can tend the many wounds that continue to disfigure humanity in our own day. In his glorious wounds we recognize the indestructible signs of the infinite mercy of the God of whom the prophet says: it is he who heals the wounds of broken hearts, who defends the weak and proclaims the freedom of slaves, who consoles all the afflicted and bestows upon them the oil of gladness instead of a mourning robe, a song of praise instead of a sorrowful heart (cf. Is 61:1,2,3). If with humble trust we draw near to him, we encounter in his gaze the response to the deepest longings of our heart: to know God and to establish with him a living relationship in an authentic communion of love, which can fill our lives, our interpersonal and social relations with that same love. For this reason, humanity needs Christ: in him, our hope, “we have been saved” (cf. Rom 8:24).
How often relations between individuals, between groups and between peoples are marked not by love but by selfishness, injustice, hatred and violence! These are the scourges of humanity, open and festering in every corner of the planet, although they are often ignored and sometimes deliberately concealed; wounds that torture the souls and bodies of countless of our brothers and sisters. They are waiting to be tended and healed by the glorious wounds of our Risen Lord (cf. 1 Pet 2:24-25) and by the solidarity of people who, following in his footsteps, perform deeds of charity in his name, make an active commitment to justice, and spread luminous signs of hope in areas bloodied by conflict and wherever the dignity of the human person continues to be scorned and trampled. It is hoped that these are precisely the places where gestures of moderation and forgiveness will increase!
Dear brothers and sisters! Let us allow the light that streams forth from this solemn day to enlighten us; let us open ourselves in sincere trust to the risen Christ, so that his victory over evil and death may also triumph in each one of us, in our families, in our cities and in our nations. Let it shine forth in every part of the world. In particular, how can we fail to remember certain African regions, such as Dafur and Somalia, the tormented Middle East, especially the Holy Land, Iraq, Lebanon, and finally Tibet, all of whom I encourage to seek solutions that will safeguard peace and the common good! Let us invoke the fullness of his Paschal gifts, through the intercession of Mary who, after sharing the sufferings of the passion and crucifixion of her innocent Son, also experienced the inexpressible joy of his resurrection. Sharing in the glory of Christ, may she be the one to protect us and guide us along the path of fraternal solidarity and peace. These are my Easter greetings, which I address to all who are present here, and to men and women of every nation and continent united with us through radio and television. Happy Easter!


BENEDICT VI

SEEKING THE TRUTH, RESTORING INTEGRITY


(A CBCP Pastoral Statement)



Beloved People of God:


Greetings in the peace of the Lord!

Today in the midst of restlessness and confusion, we come to you as pastors, for that is our precise role. We do not come as politicians whose vocation it is to order society towards the common good. Our message contributes to the flourishing of a democracy which must not be built only on political formulae.

We face today a crisis of truth and the pervading cancer of corruption. We must seek the truth and we must restore integrity. These are moral values needing spiritual and moral insights.

Therefore, we address this pastoral statement to everyone particularly you our beloved people and in a special way to our political rulers and officials.

We are convinced that the search for truth in the midst of charges and allegations must be determined and relentless, and that the way to truth and integrity must be untrammeled, especially at the present time when questions about the moral ascendancy of the present government are being raised.

For this reason, we strongly:



  1. Condemn the continuing culture of corruption from the top to the bottom of our social and political ladder;

  2. Urge the President and all the branches of government to take the lead in combating corruption wherever it is found;

  3. Recommend the abolition of EO 464 so that those who might have knowledge of any corruption in branches of government, may be free to testify before the appropriate investigating bodies;

  4. Ask the President to allow her subordinates to reveal any corrupt acts, particularly about the ZTE-NBN deal, without being obstructed in their testimony no matter who is involved;

  5. Appeal to our senators and the ombudsman to use their distinct and different powers of inquiry into alleged corruption cases not for their own interests but for the common good;

  6. Call on media to be a positive resource of seeking the truth and combating corruption by objective reporting without bias and partiality, selective and tendentious reporting of facts;

For the long term we reiterate our call for “circles of discernment” at the grassroots level, in our parishes, Basic Ecclesial Communities, recognized lay organizations and movements, religious institutions, schools, seminaries and universities. It is through internal conversion into the maturity of Christ through communal and prayerful discernment and action that the roots of corruption are discovered and destroyed. We believe that such communal action will perpetuate at the grassroots level the spirit of People Power so brilliantly demonstrated to the world at EDSA I. It is People Power with a difference. From the grassroots will come out a culture of truth and integrity we so deeply seek and build. We instruct our CBCP Commissions to take active role including networking for this purpose.



May the Lord bless us in this sacred undertaking to build a new kind of Philippines and may our Blessed Mother be our companion and guide in this journey to truth and integrity.

For and on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines:
+Angel Lagdameo, D.D.

Archbishop of Jaro

President, CBCP - February 26, 2008

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A. CHANGES AND FULL
RECONSTRUCTION OF RECORDS

Question 1:
What should the petitioner do if no supporting document
with the same date of birth as the baptismal certificate is available? What if only the GSIS papers are available?
Answer:
If no supporting document with the same birth date is indicated on the baptismal certificate is available, then the birth date indicated on the certified true copy of the birth certificate will prevail.
The petitioner should bring to the Chancery Office whatever document is available (e.g., GSIS papers) that supports his/her requested changes. All information will be evaluated and the petitioner will be interviewed at the Chancery Office. The decision to approve or disapprove the request will depend on the results of the Chancery’s investigation.


Question 2:
Where can we get the requirement for the requesting changes/ reconstruction of records and securing clearances?
Answer:
A booklet that contains all the requirements from the Chancery Office of the Archdiocese. Please note that requirements may vary on case-to-case basis.

Question 3:
What are possible corrections for adoption cases?
Answer:
If the adoption took place after the baptism, the names of the adoptive parents are added to the baptismal record as a notation. Thus the baptismal certificate will carry both the names of the biological and adoptive parents.

Question 4:
What is the difference between correcting civil records and church records? What is the basis for the Policies of the Chancery with regards to the corrections and reconstructions of church records?

Answer:
The policies implemented by the Chancery Office regarding the correction of Church records are based on the Canon Law, directives of CBCP and Church Policies, while the policies for the correction of Civil records are based on Civil Law.

Question 5:
Last Year, we had a request to baptize two children. The requesting party was able to present a complete set of requirements. Thus, the children were baptized. However, the following year, a woman, who claimed to be the biological mother of the two children who visited our parish. She presented documents to prove her claim. It turned out that the elder woman, who requested for the baptism of the children, was their grandmother. The biological woman was so angry and threatened to sue our parish. What can we do?

Answer:
The case may be reoffered to the Chancery Office, where the biological mother may be interviewed to present her complaint, and request for partial changes of entries to correct the wrong information on the Baptismal Certificates of the children.
It is unfortunate that the Church has fallen as a victim of deception between feuding family members. Due to this, great emphasis is advised regarding the screening of applicants for baptism and other sacraments. When even a small amount of doubt exists, the secretaries should not hesitate to refer the applicants to the parish priest for further interview and authentication in order to prevent the occurrence of such incidents.

Question 6:
What can be done to correct the wrong date of marriage of parents on a church record?
Answer:
The petitioner may secure from their parish a letter of request for partial change of records and execute a notarized affidavit stating the change. Together with other requirements or proofs, these are submitted to the Chancery Office for evaluation and approval.

Question 7:
On the Full Reconstruction of Records, when the written decree was released, the legitimacy and address of parents were not included.

Answer:
The treatment for each case will depend on the contents of the written request from the petitioner’s parish.

Question 8:
In the Request for Partial Changes, a certified true copy of the birth certificate is one of the documents required by the Chancery office. If the petitioner has an original copy of the birth certificate, is it necessary to secure a new one?
Answer:
To assure the authenticity of the documents presented to the Chancery Office, it is important to make sure that all documents submitted are Certified True Copies of the original. All Certified True Copies of documents are valid only for a period of 6 months from the date of its issuance.
For individuals born in 1990 onwards, the original birth certificate may be accepted provided that there are no alterations or erasures on the document.

Question 9:
The mother’s surname was used on the child’s baptismal records because his parents were not yet married during the time of the child’s baptism. The parents later married, and consequently they wanted they child to carry the father’s surname. Can they simply submit a copy of their marriage contract to request for partial change of entry?
Answer:
A request of Partial Changes of Records maybe submitted to the Chancery Office by the parents of the child. Basic requirements include a letter of request for Partial Change of Records from the parish priest, an affidavit executed by the petitioner sworn before the parish priest stating the correction, a certified true copy of the parent’s marriage contract, and other requirements as deemed necessary by the evaluation from the Chancery Office.

Question 10:
Is the second request for partial change acceptable?
Answer:
In order to save time, effort and resources, it is very important to always advise the petitioner to closely examine their documents and make sure that all entries needing partial change are included in the request. As long as they are able to present sufficient proofs to support the change, you are advised to accept their requests, unless you detect deceit on the part of the petitioner. It is important to always refer cases like these to your parish priest to allow him to properly discern what to do.

Question 11:
A request to remove the “Maria” from the baptismal certificate was presented by two different individuals on separate instances. The request of the first petitioner to remove the “Maria” was denied. Please explain why the two cases were treated differently.

Answer:
All Requests for Partial Changes are carefully deliberated at the Chancery Office to make sure that the dignity of the Church is upheld at all times. The petitioners are assured that the Chancery Office has no biases regarding its decisions.
Question 12:
Can we delete the name “Maria” from the baptismal certificate? Do the DFA and the Chancery Offices coordinate regarding this?
Answer:
Whether or not the request to delete the second name “Maria” from the baptismal certificate of an individual will depend on the result of the investigation conducted by the Chancery Office. Each case is dealt with carefully. No, there is no coordination work regarding this matter between the DFA and the Chancery Offices. The DFA is a government body, while the Chancery Office is a Church body.

Question 13:
Case of change of name. One baptized Catholic requested to change the name on her baptismal certificate from “Rowena Rullon” to “Alicia Watanabe”. The request was endorsed by our parish priest to the Chancery Office and the individual was able to change her baptismal name to “Alicia Watanabe,” after providing all the necessary documents requested by the Chancery. However, after a month this individual returned to our parish requesting that the baptismal name “Alicia Watanabe” be changed back to Rowena Rullon. Is it permissible to request for partial change for the second time? Is it necessary to ask the individual to submit a birth certificate again?

Answer:
It is necessary to investigate this case very cautiously. To discourage individuals from deceiving the Church, in this particular case, the second request for Partial Change is unacceptable.

Question 14:
For full reconstruction of Church records, what number of “Certificate of No Records” from nearby parishes is required? We normally ask for 3 parishes. Is it too many? Is there a circular on this? There are some parishes who refuse to issue such document.

Answer:
The submission of a Certificate of No Records from nearby parishes is not a compulsory requirement. Thus, Canon Law does not state a definite number. The parish priest is free to decide as he deems necessary.

Question 15:
A requirement for the full reconstruction of records is a certificate of no records from the parish priest. Why do some parishes refuse to issue Certificate of No Records?

Answer:
It is the privilege of very parish to permit or decline an application for a Certificate of No Records. The parish priest may refuse to issue one, if there is a doubt about its intended use. In case a request is denied, the petitioner may ask them the reason for its denial.
You may get a list of requirements for the full reconstruction of records from the Chancery office or its website. In addition to a certificate of No Records, a notarized Affidavit with details of baptism or baptism pictures may be submitted as supporting proofs.


B. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

Question 16:
In case of sponsors who are not baptized how can we determine, whether or not the sponsor selected have already received the three sacraments- baptism, confirmation, marriage?

Answer:
In case of doubt, the secretaries should make sure that the parish priest performs investigation.

Question 17:
In requesting for a baptismal certificate, why is it necessary to indicate the phrase “For Marriage Purposes” on the document?

Answer:
The “For Marriage Purposes” remark on the baptismal certificate serves to indicate the change of civil status of the individual. It also allows the parish to easily identify if the person has been married in the Catholic Church.

Question 18:
Case. The parents of the child to be baptized are unmarried. However, on the birth certificate, the child used the father’s surname. What surname should the child use on the baptismal certificate?
Answer:
The wishes of parents should always prevail regarding the child’s full Christian name. We suggest that the parents of the child discuss this matter between themselves. RA 9255 allows illegitimate children to use the surname of their father “if the filiation has been expressly recognized by the fa6her through the record of birth appearing in the civil register, or when an admission in a public document or private handwritten instrument is made by the father.” Otherwise, the mother’s surname is used.

Question 19:
If a baptized child follows the mother’s surname, does the child have to use the mother’s middle name as well?
Answer:
If the mother’s surname is used, there is no need for a middle name.

Question 20:
Is it right not to indicate the name of the father on the baptismal request due to some personal reasons?
Answer:
As they say, it takes two to tango. It takes man and a woman to conceive a child, thus a child will always have biological parents. If for some reason the mother does not want to include the name of the father on the baptismal record, refer this case to your parish priest for further verification.

Question 21:
Where can we get the baptismal certificate of children who were baptized through emergency baptism? Can they be baptized again?
Answer:
There are provisions in the Canon Law related to emergency or conditional baptisms. A baptismal certificate may be issued also for conditional baptisms to include a remark that the baptism is conditional.

Question 22:
On baptism. We encounter cases therein fictitious information on the marriage date of parents and the birthplace of the child are submitted to us, especially when the “hilot” of the midwife fills in the baptism request form. Thus, we request parents to present a copy of their marriage contracts. If the parents cannot present a marriage contract, we automatically use the mother’s surname for the child.

Answer:
Depending on the nature of the case or problems in a parish, the parish priest is free to impose additional requirements to prevent or minimize these problems.

Question 23:
Who are covered by the adult baptism? Can children who are 8 years old and below be included for regular baptism?
Answer:
Baptisms of individuals with age 7 years old and above are classified under adult baptism. Baptism of individuals below 7 years old are classified under regular baptisms.
Question 24:
In one request for baptism, there is a discrepancy on the date of marriage of the parents on the marriage contract and the birth certificate of the child to be baptized. What can we do about this?
Answer:
Before baptism, it is important to know whether or not the parents of the child to be baptized are legally married. This will have an effect ohm the surname of the child that should appear on the baptismal certificate. The date of marriage is useful reference, but it is not a necessary information. However, for verification purposes and to determine the truthfulness of the parents, you may ask them to explain the discrepancy in information.

Question 25:
Can the birthplace be also indicated on the baptismal certificate?
Answer:
In the format used by the Catholic Church for baptismal certificates, the birthplace is not a mandatory information. However, if this information is necessary, the parents may request that this information be stated on the baptismal certificate.

Question 26:
On baptism or confirmation. Is it possible to have a child, who is two years and above, to be baptized or confirmed in another parish- one that does not cover their place of residence?

Answer:
As much as possible, parents are advised to have their children baptized in the parish nearest to their place of residence. However, depending on the reason given by the parents to the parish, this practice is allowed in many churches.

Question 27:
Can a child use the father’s surname on his baptismal certificate, if parents are married civilly?
Answer:
Yes, of course. A civil marriage is a marriage recognized by the government and is civil in nature. A Catholic church marriage is a marriage recognized by the Catholic church and is sacramental in nature. Since the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, the Catholic church extends extra service to its faithful by taking the task of registering the marriage at the Local Civil registrar. Thus, a Catholic marriage is both valid sacramentally and civilly.

Question 28:
Is it possible to issue a baptismal certificate if the Baptism is a conditional one?
Answer:
Yes, a baptismal certificate can be used even for a conditional Baptism. However, it should be noted on the certificate that the Baptism is conditional.

Question 29:
What if the parents of a child to be baptized requests to put all the names of additional sponsors (i.e., say 28 additional sponsor) at the back of the baptismal certificate? What is the best explanation to dissuade them from this practice?

Answer:
The baptismal sponsors are called the godparents of the baptized child, and they serve as the child’s second parents. Thus, the church requires only 2 main sponsors. However, for varied reasons and at times, even commercial purposes, it has become a very common Filipino practice to invite more than 1 sponsor. To dissuade parents from this practice, only two names are indicated on the baptismal certificate.

Question 30:
On adult Baptism- particularly 7 years old. Where can a 7 year old be baptized? Is it possible to have the Baptism in another parish?
Answer:
It is preferred that baptism takes place in the parish where the child belongs.

Question 31:
What baptism from other religious sects are accepted in the Catholic Church?
Answer:
The Liber Conversionum contains all those we receive into the Catholic Faith, who were baptized in other Christian faiths, and whose baptism we recognize as valid. The following churches in the Philippines administer a valid baptism:
· Lutheran Church in the Philippines (LCP);
· Philippine Episcopal Church (PEC);
· United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP);
· Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en las Islas Filipinas (IEMELIF);
· United Methodist Church in the Philippines (UMCP);
· Convention of Philippine Baptist Church (CPBC);
· Presbyterian Church;
· Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
It is important to note that those whom we receive from the preceding churches no longer need to be baptized again, only the other parts of the baptismal rite may be completed. Furthermore they will be required to pledge before the priest their profession of faith.

Question 32:
Can couples who are living together be baptized?
Answer:
The Catholic Faith is open to all those who would like to embrace it. Adults who desire to be baptized maybe baptized after undergoing Catechism about the faith. In addition, all baptized Catholics, who live as husband and wife without the benefit of a Catholic marriage are encouraged to receive the sacraments of Marriage as well.


C. SACRAMENTOF CONFIRMATION

Question 33:
In our confirmation books or Liber Confirmatorum, there is a column called Locus Originis (Parochia/Provincia). What should we write on this column?
Answer:
The Parish Confirmation Book contains the basic information that the parish has to know about the candidate for confirmation. Thus, these informations should be asked on the application form for confirmation, together with other informations that are deemed important by the parish priest. The term Locus Originis is a Latin term that means Place of origin.

Question 34:
Is it necessary to require an individual to enlist in order to receive the sacrament of Baptism? Is it necessary to require the candidate to submit a birth certificate, parent’s marriage contract and barangay clearance?

Answer:
Baptism is a sacrament. It is important to make sure that those who desire to receive it are given the proper preparations, while ensuring that process and requirements do not become too difficult.


D. MARRIAGE

Question 35:
On mass wedding. There are couples who would like to be married in church but are not available to comply with all the requirements for marriage. For example, it is very common for them to have difficulty in presenting a baptismal certificate. Some do not know whether or not they were baptized in the Catholic Church. Our parish tries to assist them by trying to contact their respective parishes for verification. However, some parishes do not answer.
Answer:
If you have tried to contact a parish but failed, then the curia-to-curia or curia-to-parish communication is advised. Please request for the assistance from the Chancery Office to do this.
A Catholic wedding is only for couples who are baptized under the Catholic Church. Thus, the Couples who are both non-Catholics cannot be married in the Catholic Church, unless they both have a desire to be converted to the faith.
If one party or both parties are baptized Catholics, but cannot present a baptismal certificate or any proof of baptism, you can request the Chancery Office to conduct an investigation on this matter. if proven that the individual is baptized Catholic, then an Affidavit about the Roman Catholic Baptism may be issued in lieu of the certificate.

Question 36:
On mass wedding. What are the requirements on Mass Wedding?
Answer:
The requirements for mass wedding are the same as that for other weddings. If the mass wedding is a Catholic Church wedding, then it should be initiated by the parish and not by politicians, like what happens in many cases.

Question 37:
On mixed marriages. For marriages between a Catholic and a non-Catholic, is it possible to have the marriage within the mass?

Answer:
Yes, it is possible to have the marriage rite within the Mass. The couples have to secure the permission of the Chancery Office and they have to comply with the necessary requirements for mixed marriages, i.e. Disparity of Cult Dispensation. A list of requirements and procedures to undertake should be readily available from the parishes, or you may contact the Chancery Office for more information.

Question 38:
Where do we post the banns-place of baptism where the baptized Catholic to be married is no longer a resident, or the place where the individuals to be married are residents for quite some time?

Answer:
The banns are posted at the parish where the individuals are residents for many years after their 18 birthday.

Question 39:
There is no registry number on the marriage contract, but there is a copy of the contract in the church files. Is the marriage valid?
Answer:
A Catholic Church Wedding is valid sacramentally, according to the laws of the Catholic Church. Here in the Philippines, the Church takes it as its responsibility to register the marriage as the local civil registrar, who is responsible for assigning a registry number, on the marriage certificate. Thus, the marriage is valid civilly as well.
However, the absence of the registry number on the marriage certificate indicates a possible clerical error, which the couple has to pay attention to. Or that most probably the couple was civilly married prior to the Church wedding, in which case the civil marriage certificate would indicate a registry number and not the Church wedding certificate.
Since there is a copy of the marriage certificate on the Church file, then we can be sure that a marriage ceremony was held on the date specified on the marriage contract.

Question 40:
In one case of our parish, a fellow who is about to be married presented a birth certificate, a baptismal certificate and a notarized affidavit from the parents stating that the surname of the individual from the birth certificate is wrong and that the correct surname is that on the baptismal certificate. What surname should be used on the marriage contract?

Answer:
It is important to check all the documents presented by the individual to verify consistency of information. This includes checking the name stated on the marriage license as well. If the individual claims that the surname on the baptismal certificate is the correct one, then the marriage license should also indicate the same surname. In addition, if the affidavit was prepared by the individual’s biological parents, then the three of them should have the same surname.

Question 41:
Can a non-Catholic, who had a previous marriage with a non-Catholic, remarry in the Catholic Church?

Answer:
Yes, provided that the person has all the necessary papers providing the nullity of his previous marriage by the Roman Catholic Church, and provided that the said person is marrying a Roman Catholic.

Question 42:
Can a couple who are both non-Catholics be married in the Roman Catholic Church?
Answer:
No, unless they have a sincere desire to embrace the faith and be baptized.

Question 43:
On mixed marriage. The man is born again Christian, while the woman is a baptized Catholic. Can they marry twice, that is, marry at both the Born Again and the Catholic Church?

Answer:
No, the provisions of Can. 1127 &3 forbids a couple to marry twice in both Churches. They can either marry in the Catholic Church or in Born Again church.
In the event that they chose to marry in the Born Again church and would like to have their marriage acknowledged by the Catholic Church, they could ask a dispensation from the Canonical Forms BEFORE the celebration on their wedding in the other religion. Please contact the Chancery Department for more information.

Question 44:
For couples who are already civilly married, is it necessary for the foreign partner to secure legal capacity or embassy clearance in order to marry in the Catholic Church?
Answer:
There is no need for legal capacity or embassy clearance, but a certified true copy of the civil marriage certificate is necessary.

Question 45:
For marriages between a Filipino and a foreign partner. If one party in a marriage belongs to a parish within the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao and would like to marry in another diocese/archdiocese- who issues the dispensation?

Answer:
The diocese/archdiocese where the church of the marriage belongs.

Question 46:
What kind of dispensation is needed for marriage between a Roman and-Catholic; for marriage between a Roman Catholic and a non-baptized?

Answer:
For a Roman Catholic and non-Catholic, a Permission from the Local Ordinary for Mixed Marriage is necessary. For a Roman Catholic and non-baptized, a Disparity of Cult Dispensation is necessary.

Question 47:
What are the basic do’s and don’ts for parish secretaries?

Answers:
DO show patience and courtesy, especially when answering inquiries. Your answers serve not only to inform, but also to catechize.
DO consult your parish priest for matters not familiar to you, especially those concerning canonical matters. You may also call the Chancery Department for clarifications.
DO your work quickly but efficiently. Time is precious and you cannot bring back lost time.
DO remember to serve with a smile.
DON’T make compromises with document requirements for sacramental rites. Very often couples or applicants forget things when their business is done.
DON’T just deal with marriage coordinators. It is important to request for the bride and groom’s presence.
DON’T let name dropping affect your dealings with people coming to your parish office.
DON’T mishandle canonical books. These are not only private, but also holy records, and should be handled with utmost care by authorized personnel.

Question 48:
Does the Chancery office have any plans for centralized archiving of church records such as baptismal, confirmation and marriage certificates, just like the NSO of the government? It can always require the parishes to submit a copy of these records for this purpose?

Answer:
The function of the Archdiocesan Chancery Office is described by the Canon Low and as of now, it does not cover any centralized archiving of church records such as baptism, confirmation and marriage certificates. Besides, it is always easier to search for information or documents on a parish level than on a diocesan level because there are less number of records. The basic information about a Catholic individual’s baptism, confirmation and marriage records are very important elements of the person’s Catholic Cultural Heritage. Thus, during Catechism before the Sacrament is given, role of parents as archival custodians of the church records of their children should also be stressed.

Question 49:
In how many days do we need to update the Marriage or Baptism Book? How many days should it take before we can release the certificates?

Answer:
It is good practice to daily update the Church books to prevent records from getting lost. If possible, it is also good practice to immediately issue the certificates right after baptism, confirmation of marriage rite to help the parents or individuals concerned save time and money by having to come back to get them.

Question 50:
Before issuing Church documents from the parish, is it necessary to request for an authorization letter if a representative of the individual concerned is making the request? This often happens when the individual is out of town or out of the country.

Answer:
Yes, it is good practice to request for an authorization letter before using a Church document to a representative of the individual. This is to make sure that the document will not be used without the knowledge of the individual who owns it.

MARRIAGE CLEARANCES AND DISPENSATIONS


A Marriage Clearance is required for marriages under the Catholic Church between a Filipino and a foreign partner. This is secured from the Chancery Department of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tuguegarao. This section describes the procedure and requirements for securing marriage clearances and dispensations.


Procedure for Securing Marriage Clearance

Get a form the Chancery Department called “APPLICATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF CLEARANCE FOR MARRIAGE BETWEEN A FILIPINO AND A FOREIGN IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.” A separate and more detailed checklist of the required documents is also available at the Chancery Office.

Documents Required:

A. FOR CATHOLICS

  1. Recently issued baptismal certificate
  2. Certification of freedom to marry

B. FOR NON-CATHOLICS

  1. Recently issued baptismal certificate
  2. Certification of freedom to marry

C. FOR DIVORCED PERSONS:

  1. Official Church declaration of nullity of previous marriage(s)

D. OTHER SUPPLEMENT DOCUMENTS:

  1. Publications of Banns
  2. Certification from the embassy or from country of origin that applicant has never contracted marriage in any form yet
  3. Sworn Affidavits about applicant’s freedom to marry executed before a priests interviewer
  4. Civil Marriage Certificate, if couple have already been civilly married
  5. If widowed, death certificate of the diseased spouse
  6. If applicant is a Japanese citizen, endorsement by Fr. Toru Nishimoto, CSsR (see address below).

Fill in the application form and attach the appropriate supporting documents. Then submit your application together with the required attachments to the personnel in charge for evaluation, processing and approval.

For a speedy processing of your application, it is important to make sure that you have all the necessary supporting documents. Carefully read the checklist given to you. The requirement(s) may vary depending on whether the couple is Catholic, Non-Catholics or divorced.

Some of the basic and supplementary requirements include the following:

  • For baptized partner, recently issued baptismal certificate with Notation “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES”
  • For Catholic Partner, a certification of Freedom to Marry from your parish, or copy of the Publication of 3 Sunday Banns
  • For foreign partner, an Embassy Clearance/Legal Capacity to Marry
  • For couples who are already civilly married, a Certificate of Marriage
  • For a widowed partner, the Death Certificate of deceased spouse
  • For Non-Catholics, a Dispensation from the Impediment of either “Mixed Religion or Disparity of Cult”
  • For divorced persons, an official church declaration of nullity of previous marriage(s), the Decree of the Divorce. Civil Annulment with certificate of Finality, Copy of the Previous Certificate of Marriage, etc. as the case maybe.
  • For Japanese citizens, an interview and endorsement from Fr. Toru Nishimoto, CSsR is required.

Processing of application takes about 7 working days. However, applicants are strongly advised to apply for Marriage Clearance ahead of time-between 6 months to 3 weeks before wedding date.


Procedure for Securing a Dispensation from the Impediment of Mixed Religion or Disparity of Cult

For marriages between Catholic and Non-Catholic, secure form called MIXED MARRIAGE: FORMULA OF THE PROMISES AND DECLARATION OF THE CONTRACTING PARTIES from your parish. Fill up this form and request your parish priest to endorse this to the Chancery office, who in turn will issue a Dispensation for Mixed Religion or Disparity of Cult, as the case maybe.

Checklist of Requirements for Marriage Clearance

A) If one Party is Catholic and the other Party is Non-Christian or has No Religion
( ) Original and Xerox copy of newly issued baptismal certificate (within 6 months prior to the wedding date) of the Catholic Party with notation “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES”

A.1 For the Catholic Party
( ) original and Xerox copy of “CERTIFICATION” of freedom to marry (within 6 months prior to the wedding date) from his or her incumbent Parish Priest or that “no impediment” exists regarding the proposed marriage

A.2 For the Non-Christian
( ) original and Xerox copy of “AFFIDAVIT” about the Non-Christian’s freedom to marry (within 6 months prior to the wedding date) executed by the applicant and 2 witnesses before the priest-interviewer
( ) two Xerox copies of “CERTIFICATION” from his/her embassy (if applicant is a foreigner) and from his or her country of origin that he/she has never contracted marriage in any form and that there is no legal hindrance in contracting the applied marriage

A.3 If Civilly Married Already
( ) A certified true copy and Xerox copy of the “CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE”

A.4 If Widowed
( ) A certified true copy and Xerox copy of the “DEATH CERTIFICATE” of the deceased spouse
( ) Dispensation from the “DISPARITY OF CULT” from the Chancery Office

A.5 If one Party is Japanese Citizen
( ) For Reference/interview with:
Rev. Fr. TORU NISHIMOTO, CSsR
TRAVELERS Life Building, 490 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
525-3517 & 521-9991



B. If both parties are single (have never contracted marriage in any form before)

B.1 If both parties are Catholic
( ) original and Xerox copy of newly issued baptismal certificate (within 6 months prior to the wedding date) with notation “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES”
( ) Original and Xerox copy of newly issued Certification of “freedom to marry” (within 6 months prior to wedding date) from present parish priest that he/she has never contracted any form of marriage and that he/she is free from any marriage impediment or
( ) Original and Xerox copy of Publication of 3 SUNDAY BANNS in their respective present parishes abroad

B.2 If Civilly Married Already
( ) A certified true copy and Xerox copy of ‘CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE”

B.3 If Widowed
( ) A certificate of true copy and Xerox copy of DEATH CERTIFICATE of the deceased spouse

B.4 If Permanent Resident Foreigners
( ) Original and Xerox copy of “Affidavit” of applicant’s freedom to marry executed by the applicant and 2 witnesses before a priest-interview
( ) 2 Xerox copies of “Embassy Clearance/ Legal Capacity to Marry”

B.5 If one Party is Japanese Citizen
( ) For Reference/interview with:
Rev. Fr. TORU NISHIMOTO, CSsR
TRAVELERS Life Building, 490 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
525-3517 & 521-9991


C. If both parties are single-have never contracted marriage in form before

C.1 If One Party is Non-Catholic Christian (i.e., Protestant)
( ) Original and Xerox copy of newly issued baptismal certificate (within 6 months prior to wedding date) with notation “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES”
( ) Original and Xerox copy of “Certification” from his/her incumbent Parish Priest/Pastor (within 6 months prior to wedding date) that he/she has never contracted any form of marriage and that he/she is free from any marriage impediment

C.2 If Permanent Resident/Native Born Foreigners
( ) Original and Xerox copy of “affidavit” about freedom to marry executed by the applicant and 2 witnesses before a priest-interviewer or
( ) Original and Xerox copy of publication of “3 SUNDAY BANNS” from the parish of the Catholic Party

C.3 If Civilly Married Already
( ) A certified true copy and Xerox copy of ‘CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE”

C.4 If Widowed
( ) A certificate of true copy and Xerox copy of DEATH CERTIFICATE of the deceased spouse

C.5 If one Party is Japanese Citizen
( ) For Reference/interview with:
Rev. Fr. TORU NISHIMOTO, CSsR
TRAVELERS Life Building490 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
525-3517 & 521-9991


D. If one Party is DIVORCED regardless of RELIGION or RITE

D.1 Proof of “Freedom to Marry” in any of the following forms:
( ) Original and Xerox copy of “Certification” of freedom to marry from his/her incumbent pastor (within 6 months prior to the wedding date)
( ) Notation of his/her baptismal certificate “FOR MARRIAGE PURPOSES” signifying his/her state of freedom to marry
( ) Original and Xerox copy of publication of “3 SUNDAY BANNS” from his/her Parish abroad

D.2 For the Divorced Party
( ) Original and Xerox copy of the FORMAL WRITTEN DECLARATION that the PREVIOUS MARRIAGE is NULL and VOID from the beginning, by a competent Catholic Marriage Tribunal (Tribunal where the previous marriage took place or where the former spouse is residing) or the Catholic Bishop of the place of domicile of the divorce
( ) Original and 2 xerox copies of the Decree of the Divorce
( ) Original and Xerox copy of the Civil Annulment Decision with the certificate of finality
( ) A certified true and Xerox copy of the previous Certificate of Marriage
( ) Original and Xerox copy of “certification” from the incumbent parish priest that previous marriage was by civil rites only and validated/ not validated in the church; That there was no subsequent marriage after the divorce or civil annulment; That there exist no impediment for him/her to be married in the Catholic Church
( ) Original and xerox copy of the marriage counseling certificate by a competent marriage counselor (if there were already 2 or 3 previous marriages) recommending/ endorsing the marriage

D.3 For the Non-Divorced Non-Catholic Party
( ) Certification from his/her pastor and/or embassy that he/she has never contracted marriage in any form and that nothing hinders him/her from contracting marriage

D.4 If Civilly Married Already
( ) Certified true copy and Xerox of the CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE

D.5 If One Party is Non-Catholic
( ) Dispensation from the impediment of either “Mixed Religion or Disparity of Cult” as the case may be

D.6 If one Party is Japanese Citizen
( ) For Reference/interview with:
Rev. Fr. TORU NISHIMOTO, CSsR
TRAVELERS Life Building490 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
525-3517 & 521-9991

HOW TO CORRECT AND RECONSTRUCT CHURCH RECORDS




  1. The Following shows the steps to follow when requesting for partial changes or full reconstruction of records. This applies to Parochial Books of Records of Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage.

STEP 1:
For Partial Changes, secure the following from your parish:

1.Letter from the Parish Priest requesting for the partial changes of Parish Records. This is a letter from the parish priest addressed to His Excellency Most Rev. Diosdado A. Talamayan, D.D., stating your request to make Partial Changes on your baptismal, confirmation or marriage record.
2. Affidavit for Partial Changes of Parish Record. This is an affidavit executed by the petitioner, sworn before the Parish Priest stating the corrections and purpose of the request.

For full reconstruction of Records, secure the following from your parish:
1. Letter of the Parish Priest requesting for Full Reconstruction of Parish Records. This is a letter from the parish priest, addressed to His Excellency Most Rev. Diosdado A. Talamayan, D.D., stating your request to make the Full Reconstruction of your baptismal, confirmation of marriage record.
2. Affidavit for Full Reconstruction of Parish Record. This is an affidavit executed by the petitioner, sworn before the Parish Priest stating the corrections and the purpose of the request.


STEP 2:
Submit for EVALUATION the above documents to the Chancery Department, together with the following basic requirements:
1. A copy of a newly issued birth certificate
2. A copy of the baptismal, confirmation or marriage certificate that you wish to correct
Based on the EVALUATION, you may or may not be asked to submit additional requirements (SEE BELOW).

STEP 3:
If there are no problems, your application for Partial Changes or Full Reconstruction will be immediately approved. A written decree shall be issued by His Excellency, authorizing your parish priest to grant your request to correct or reconstruct your records.

STEP 4:
Bring the written decree and attached documents to your parish to allow them to implement the correction and issue a corrected or reconstructed certificate.

Only the persons concerned or their parents may apply for Partial Correction or Full Reconstruction of records. Other representatives or agents are required to submit a Letter of Authorization or Special Power of Attorney if the concerned party is in other place or abroad.

All the required documents are valid only for 6 (six) months from the date of issuance. Application after the lapse of the validity would require newly issued requirements.

Checklist of Requirements for Full Reconstruction of Baptismal Records
( ) Certified true copy of a newly issued birth certificate from the office of the Local Civil Registrar, if you were born in a municipality within Cagayan
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued birth certificate from the National Statistics Office for those born outside Cagayan
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued Parent’s Marriage Contract from the Local Civil Registrar’s Office
( ) If married, certified true copy of newly issued Church Marriage Certificate
( ) Form 137 (Elementary School Record); High School Record; Transcript of Record

For Cases Without Birth Certificate and Late Registry of Birth Certificate
( ) Certificate of “No Record” from the Local Civil Registrar’s Office where person was born
( ) Certificate of “No Record” from the National Statistics Office
( ) Certified true copy of Hospital Records/Lying in Clinic Records
( ) Notarized affidavit explaining why birth was registered late or why there are no records

Accepted proofs
( ) Memorandum of Baptism
( ) Pictures taken during Baptism
( ) Confirmation Certificate
( ) Official Receipt issued by the Parish

Full Reconstruction of Baptismal Record when no proof is available
( ) Notarized affidavits with details of the baptism of the person; Affidavit executed by (a) parents (b) witness/sponsor
( ) When picture is presented as evidence, A Notarized Affidavit identifying the picture is required
( ) Certificate of “No Record” of Baptism from nearby Parishes

Others
( ) SSS (E-1 or E-4)
( ) GSIS Membership Form
( ) Certified true copy of Hospital Records/ Lying in Clinic Records
( ) Special Power of Attorney for representative if parents or baptized person is abroad
( ) Authorization Letter in case a representative is sent to process the papers
( ) Alien Certificate of Residency (ACR)
( ) Immigrant Certificate of Residency (ICR)

Checklist of Requirements for Full Reconstruction of Marriage Records
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued birth certificate of Bride and Groom from the Local Civil Registrar’s Office
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued birth certificate of bride and groom from the National Statistics Office
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued Parents Marriage contract from the National Statistics Office
( ) Baptismal Certificate both Bride and Groom
( ) Form 137 (Elementary School Record), High School Record; Transcript of Record

For Cases Without Birth Certificate and Late Registry of Birth certificate
( ) Certificate of “No Record” from the Local Civil Registrar’s Office where person was born
( ) Certificate of “No Record” from the National Statistics Office
( ) Certified true copy of Hospital Records
( ) Notarized affidavit explaining why birth was registered late or why there are no records

Accepted Proofs:
( ) Pictures taken during Marriage
( ) Old Marriage Contract
( ) Wedding Invitation
( ) Official Receipt issued by the Parish

For Full Reconstruction of Marriage record WHEN NO PROOF IS AVAILABLE
( ) Notarized Affidavit with details of the baptism of the person. Affidavits executed by (A) the bride and groom (B) witness
( ) When picture is presented as evidence, a Notarized Affidavit identifying the picture is required

Others
( ) SSS (E-1 or E-4)
( ) GSIS Membership Form
( ) Certified True Copy of Hospital Records
( ) Special Power of Attorney for representatives if parents or baptized person is abroad ( ) Authorization Letter in case a representative is sent to process the papers
( ) Alien Certificate of residency (ACR)
( ) Immigrant Certificate of Residency (ICR)

Checklist of Requirements for Partial Change of Baptismal, Confirmation and Marriage Church Records
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued birth certificate from the Local Civil Registrars Office
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued birth certificate from the National statistics Office
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued Parent’s Marriage Contract from the Local Civil Registrars Office
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued Parent’s Marriage Contact from the national Statistics Records
( ) Certified true copy of newly issued Church Marriage Certificate
( ) Form 137 (Elementary School Record); High School Record; Transcript of Record

For Cases Without Birth Certificate and Late Registry of Birth Certificate
( ) Certificate of No Record from the Local Civil Registrar’s Office
( ) Certificate of “No Record” from the national Statistics Office
( ) Certified true copy of Hospital Records/Lying In Clinic Records
( ) Notarized affidavit by the parents explaining why birth was registered late or why there are no records.

For Complicated Cases
( ) Notarized affidavit by the parents explaining discrepancies

For Adoption Cases
( ) Certified true copy of the Court’s Decision on the Adoption
( ) Certified true copy of Finality
( ) Un-amended Birth Certificate
( ) Amended Birth certificate

Others:
( ) SSS (E-1 or E-4)
( ) GSIS Membership Form
( ) Certified True Copy of Hospital Records
( ) Special Power of Attorney for representatives if parents or baptized person is abroad ( ) Authorization Letter in case a representative is sent to process the papers
( ) Alien Certificate of residency (ACR)
( ) Immigrant Certificate of Residency (ICR)