In the Roman Catholic Church

Roman Catholic Church

The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...

, 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.