Case of change of name. One baptized Catholic requested to change the name on her baptismal certificate from “Rowena Rullon” to “Alicia Watanabe”. The request was endorsed by our parish priest to the Chancery Office and the individual was able to change her baptismal name to “Alicia Watanabe,” after providing all the necessary documents requested by the Chancery. However, after a month, this individual returned to our parish requesting that the baptismal name “Alicia Watanabe” be changed back to Rowena Rullon. Is it permissible to request for partial change for the second time? Is it necessary to askthe individual to submit a birth certificate again?

However, after a month, this individual returned to our parish requesting that the baptismal name “Alicia Watanabe” be changed back to Rowena Rullon. Is it permissible to request for partial change for the second time? Is it necessary to askthe individual to submit a birth certificate again?

It is necessary to investigate this case very cautiously. To discourage individuals from deceiving the Church, in this particular case, the second request for Partial Change is unacceptable.

For full reconstruction of Church records, what number of “Certificate of No Records” from nearby parishes are required? We normally ask for 3 parishes. Is this too many? Is there a circular on this? There are some parishes who refuse to issue such document.

The submission of a Certificate of No Records from nearby parishes is not a compulsory requirement. Thus, Canon Law does state a definite number. The parish priest is free to decide as he deems necessary.