This was once a part of Kadaba church.  Panja was started as a medical mission. Dr Peter Paul Pinto of Badyar and Mr Santhan D’Mello of Kirem settled down at Panja.  They purchased 3 acres of land and built a chapel, a presbytery, a dispensary and a convent.   The medical mission dedicated to St Rita was blessed on July 5, 1932 and served from Kadaba. 

Rev. Fr Peter D’Sa was appointed the first chaplain on June 21, 1933.  Till 1941 there were only the families of the converts. On February 1, 1952, Fr Albert G. Nazareth became the first missionary parish priest of the church.  With the help of Santhan D’Mello of Panja and Joseph Pinto of Bellare, a chapel at Bellare (1972) was built by Fr Marian Pinto.  The extension to the Panja parochial house and construction of a water tank was done by Fr Norbert Lobo.   Benches in Panja chapel were provided by  Fr William Vitus D’Souza.     

Fr Francis D’Souza constructed the new church building and belfry which were inaugurated on April 25, 1990.  Fr Basil Vas built the presbytery and the hall. 
The church runs free coaching classes at the church premises for the 10th standard and  II Year P.U.C students with the services of volunteer teachers.