Confirmation record

[1ke]

To the best of my knowledge, parishes don’t send copies of their sacramental registers to central repositories.

You are correct. The last time our diocese asked for archival copies it was of records prior to 1900. And apparently that was 25 years ago or more. Our diocese does not keep archival records of all sacraments.

 

[1ke]

Wow. There is no duplication of the originals of sacramental records, in case of fire? Even now?

Correct, even now.

If the physical church records are destroyed, the evidence is simply lost?

Yes.

Diocesan policy requires the sacramental registries be in a fire safe.

 

[JackMcCoy]

I guess I am stating the obvious, but there must be a record of your confirmation somewhere. Are you positive of what parish you were confirmed?

 

[1ke]

I guess I am stating the obvious, but there must be a record of your confirmation somewhere.

Really, there doesn’t. There certainly should be. That doesn’t mean there is. Because human error occurs.

 

[JackMcCoy]

You are right. Mistakes are made.
Hopefully there is a solution to this problem.

 

[InThePew]

I was baptized as a baby and I have that record. The only thing I remember at confirmation is that there was a bishop.

Not a bad start. Really, it not actually your problem - it’s the order’s you want to join. Ask them what they require and what you should do about meeting those requirements. It may be that a simple sworn statement will suffice (you’l need to flesh out the details a bit more) or they might require a conditional confirmation in which case speak to your pastor. This is really not that big a deal, it’s just something which happens from time to time (fortunately not too often).

 

[TheLittleLady]

Wow. There is no duplication of the originals of sacramental records, in case of fire? Even now?
If the physical church records are destroyed, the evidence is simply lost?
Wow.

My Diocese does require copies. YDMV (Your Diocese May Vary)