Letter to Members: Central Catholic Archive
An update for CoR members on the possibility of developing a shared central Catholic archive for Religious congregations.
Dear Members,
Re: Central Catholic Archive
As you will know, CoR held one of its Collaboration events in 2025 on the subject of a shared Catholic Archive for Religious who are seeking a shared repository for their Archives.
Dr Jonathan Bush, who many of you will know from his work with Durham University and as Vice Chairman of the Catholic Archives Society, spoke of the need for a shared Catholic Archive and the work that had been ongoing for some time in trying to identify such a facility.
At that time Downside Abbey was discussed at the time as a potential shared facility, and we now understand that they are focusing on collecting Archives from English Benedictine Communities, male and female.
At the CoR AGM in May this year, some of you who had previously expressed interest in such a shared Archive facility, approached me asking if any other options for a central Archive were being considered.
With the permission of the Congregation, I can share with you that one female Congregation are now actively considering if such a central Archive could be developed on a site they have in the Midlands.
As you will appreciate, it is important that they are allowed to go through their own feasibility study, including the impact on finance and buildings, with the help of their key staff and professional advisors, without pressure, and before engaging with other Congregations. I believe this feasibility study, which I am personally involved in, will take around 6 months.
As the project develops, if it appears to be a likelihood of this option proceeding, then I will suggest an initial online meeting with all CoR members to gauge the amount of interest and share any information we may have by then.
In the meantime, if CoR members have any questions or information to offer, then please do let us know.
Best wishes,
Susan Thoams
CoREW General Secretary