Donated Archives
The Diocesan Archives will accept donated items and, in consultation with donors, evaluate and select material worthy of permanent preservation. Material normally accepted will have at least some of the following attributes:
- it documents the origin, history, spirit and growth of the Diocese, its parishes, missions, institutions etc.
- it documents activities and events within the Diocese
- it has legal, financial or operational use to the Diocese
Contact the Archivist (archives@cdoc.nz) to discuss.
Outreach and Conservation Fundraising
Our vision for the future is to transform the Diocesan history and memory by ensuring items are appropriately conserved and protected, and by bringing our unique collection to a wider audience – through exhibitions, online resources, and digitization projects.
Your generosity is helps make this vision a reality.
'Saints in Coffee Jars ' 6-10 February 2024, Pūmanawa Gallery, The Arts Centre

Join us on a captivating journey through time as we uncover the secrets buried beneath the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. ‘Saints in Coffee Jars’ will spark your curiosity and introduce you to the fascinating world of relics.
Explore the rich history of relics, spanning over two millennia, and understand their significant impact on our culture and faith.
Discover how Bishop Grimes SM assembled his collection of relics to shape his vision for a new Catholic society in the southern hemisphere. Much like the relics concealed underground following the Second Vatican Council, Bishop Grimes SM remains a largely forgotten figure in twenty-first century Aotearoa. As Christchurch’s first Catholic bishop, +Grimes not only oversaw the construction of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Barbadoes St, but also played a pivotal role as a civic leader, impacting diverse areas, from education to animal welfare. In addition to delving into the world of relics, you can also explore the enduring impact of this extraordinary individual at our ‘Saints in Coffee Jars’ exhibition.
‘Saints in Coffee Jars’ promises to be an remarkable journey through history and faith.
We invite you to be part of this incredible journey. Your support can help us bring ‘Saints in Coffee Jars’ to life.
If you would like to support the Archives, The Catholic Shop at the Pro-Cathedral has 2024 Archives calendars for sale.
The A4 Cathedral Sketches calendar which honours the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, featuring hand-drawn architectural drawings by Francis Petre, can also be ordered directly from the Archives. These calendars are $15 each.
Calendars of Bishop Grimes’ Lantern slides (choose from the NZ or European Edition) are also available directly from the Archives and are $25 each.
All proceeds go towards the exhibition costs
Together, we can make this exhibition a success.