church records

Look up the church phone number on the internet. usually each Diocese has their own website that list the phone number, address and office hours with days open. Most have long lunches but open late and on weekends. Small town churches may only be open 4 hours on the days they are open.

You have to get a name of office personnel and be very nice and polite. Being able to speak decent spanish helps. Don't ask for too much right away and always be willing to be extra patient with them. We are asking them for "actas" for unusually old dates and time. Having an exact dates helps them alot. If the church has a web address, you can scan the document. This will help them because then they don't have to look in the old archives, which they don't like doing since the books are old and brittle.

What has helped me is that I took a vacation to the towns and visited with the office workers at the churches I was interested in. As I've found things I call and speak directly with the person I need.

I have my accounts with Chase bank and they let you send 3 wires to mexico a month for free to Banorte Bank. Send it to the person your working with and always be willing to tip well. Cost of most actas are $5 plus some. They can scan to you and mail originals. Be willing to send money for that as well.

Lastly, you can call your local radio station or look up a local organization in your town of people from your interested part of Mexico. Pay them to take documents to Mexico and bring back.

Hope this helps.

Daniel Miramontse