Canon 296

1. In the parish there are to be parish books, namely, baptismal, matrimonial, death and others, according to the norms of the

particular law of its own Church sui iuris or, if there are no

norms, of the eparchial bishop himself; the pastor is to see to

it that these parish books are properly filled out and preserved

observing said norms. 2. In the baptismal register are also to

be noted the enrollment of the baptized into a determined Church

sui iuris according to the norm of can. 37, the administration of

chrismation with holy myron as well as those things which pertain

to the canonical status of the Christian faithful by reason of

marriage, with due regard for can. 840, 3, adoption, and sacred

orders or perpetual profession in a religious institute; these

notations are always to be noted on the certificate of baptism.

3. Certificates which are given about the canonical status of

the Christian faithful and all the documents which can have juridical importance are to be signed by the pastor himself or his

delegate and sealed with the parish seal. 4. In the parish

there is to be an archive in which the parish books are kept

along with the hierarchial letters and other documents which

ought to be preserved due to necessity or usefulness; all of

these are to be inspected by the eparchial bishop or his delegate

during his canonical visitation or at another suitable time; the

pastor is to take care that they not come into the hands of outsiders. 5. The older parish books are also to be preserved

according to the norms of particular law.