Simdega Catholic Diocese was created by His Holiness Pope John Paul II by his letter dated 22nd  May 1993, with the territory taken from the Archdiocese of Ranchi. Most Rev. Joseph Minj was the first bishop of Simdega who was consecrated at St. Anne’s Cathedral Samtoli on 24 August 1993. “Let Christ increase” (Jn. 3:30) was his motto. He was retired from his office on 11th February 2008 and simultaneously, Most Rev. Vincent Barwa, and the auxiliary bishop of Ranchi was appointed by the Holy Father Benedict XVI, as the bishop of Simdega. Simdega began a new life with giving message “Believe in Jesus” (Acts 16:31).

Simdega Catholic Diocese is situated in southern part of Jharkhand state and the eastern part of India. It covers the whole ten blocks of civil district of Simdega, with a total area of 3761.2 square kilometers. The total population is 6, 40,200 and Catholic population is 2, 06,139. The Christians are in majority and contributing a major part of development in the area of Education, Social, Economic and cultural development. Simdega is the Tribal district and the main inhabitants of the district are Oraon, Munda and Kharia. The Catholic Church has covered the whole district of Simdega. It has 37 parishes, 06 Mission Stations, 47 Convents, 109 Diocesan Priests, 38 Religious priests, 17 Religious brothers, and 275 Religious sisters. The diocese is running 116 primary schools, 39 middle schools, 31 high schools, 3 Inter colleges and 2 English medium schools other than the Religious institutions. The diocese has also 2 social development centers and many health centers serving the people all over the district of Simdega.  The Church has played a great role in the life of tribal people.

Agriculture is the major source of livelihood of about 90% of the total population and it depends on the monsoon. Simdega district has about 32% forested area and cultivated land is about 134,024 hector out of which 16,367 hector area only is irrigated. Therefore the majority of the families do not earn enough to get for themselves and their families the most basic economic necessities. The main rivers are Sankh, Palamara, Deo and Girma. Simdega is only town in the district.  Simdega is considered as the most under developed and poor district.  It is known only for ‘Hockey’ when the tribal boys and girls have reached at the national and international level.