In the Roman Catholic Church, Oratory Status is a special status that a church building may be placed in. In oratory status the parish has been closed and the church building and grounds become the responsibility of a neighboring parish.
A church building that has been placed on oratory status does not have regular masses scheduled. But such churches are available for special occasions. These include weddings, funerals, holidays, holy days of obligation, the feast day of the church's patron Saint, and other special masses.
Famous quotes containing the words oratory and/or status:
“Some of the greatest and most lasting effects of genuine oratory have gone forth from secluded lecture desks into the hearts of quiet groups of students.”
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)
“As a work of art it has the same status as a long conversation between two not very bright drunks.”
—Clive James (b. 1939)