I have obtained information directly from St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lancaster. In the letter I explained my relationship to the person on whom I was seeking information, and I enclosed a donation for their time. In each instance I only requested one piece of information so the search time was minimal. The reply was reasonably prompt. Unlike public records, the church does not have to make this information available. Therefore, we must be more polite, and cooperative than we ever thought we could be because they are not there for our convenience. Also, since they don't have to do this why should they have to provide someone to do the work? That's why I make a small donation. Pat pberens@greenapple.com