Missions
"By a written understanding with the Bishop of Wau, the communities of Wau Diocese beyond their reach are entrusted temporarily to the Ordinary of Rumbek; Wau Diocese supports with personnel and other resources according to availability. Practically, the following areas are under the care of Rumbek Ordinary: Northern Bahr el Ghazal State (except for Aweil Town and along the railway); the provinces of Gogrial, Turalei and Apuk of Warap State; all communities living 15-20 miles from Wau." (Catholic Directory of the Sudan, 2005, pg. 90).
This passage from the Catholic Directory explains the unusual shape of the Diocese of Rumbek. Due to the years of conflict, the Bishop and personnel of Wau were unable to reach many of the northern dioceses. As a response, the Bishop of Rumbek accepted the temporary care of those areas.
At the time of its founding, the diocese the Diocese of Rumbek was even larger, but as more areas have become accessible and more dioceses have been opened, the Rumbek diocese has ceded some areas.