Nothing connects you with your ancestors like helping them receive sacred, essential temple ordinances. To help as many patrons have this experience as possible, FamilySearch periodically conducts automated searches to identify potential ancestor ordinances that appear to be ready to be performed in the temple. You may receive an email from FamilySearch that shares such an opportunity. You should take time to review these names, review the relationships and information for accuracy, and check for possible duplicates prior to submitting the names for temple work.
We’ve prepared this FAQ to address common questions regarding these opportunities.
How do you know the person mentioned in the hint is my relative?
We search your tree for an ancestor or cousin awaiting temple ordinances. There are resources on the site to help you review the relationship and ensure that the ordinances have not already been completed.
How do I reserve the ordinance?
To reserve the ordinances, follow these simple steps:
- Follow the link in your email, or visit the special landing page to review the hint and view your relationship with that deceased family member.
- Click Reserve Temple Ordinances.
- Click Request Ordinances on your deceased family member’s ordinance page.
The ordinances will be added to your temple reservation list.
What if I cannot attend the temple soon?
You can still reserve the ordinance now and take the family name on your next temple trip. Your reservation will remain in your temple list for up to two years. If you are unable to attend the temple soon, you can also reserve the ordinances and then share them with family, friends, or the temple. Here’s how:Steps:
- Reserve the ordinances.
- Go to your temple reservation list under “Temple” on FamilySearch.org.
- Click the box next to the ancestor’s name whose ordinances you want to share.
- Click the blue Share option at the top of the page. Choose Share with Family or Friends or Share with Temple.
If you share with family or friends, simply enter the person’s information, add a note if desired, and click Send.
Can I forward this hint to someone else?
While the email itself can technically be forwarded, the opportunity in the email was specifically matched to you and won’t work correctly for the person you forward it to. The technology used to provide you with this opportunity relies on the connection with your account to function.
How soon do I need to reserve the ordinance?
These opportunities are time sensitive and, while they are available at the time the email is sent, there is no guarantee that someone else, such as another relative, won’t find the temple opportunity on their own in Family Tree and reserve it. To avoid this happening, it is important to reserve the ordinances in a timely manner.
How can I get help?
Your ward or branch temple and family history consultants can help. For additional questions, contact FamilySearch support.
