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)
“[In early adolescence] she becomes acutely aware of herself as a being perceived by others, judged by others, though she herself is the harshest judge, quick to list her physical flaws, quick to undervalue and under-rate herself not only in terms of physical appearance but across a wide range of talents, capacities and even social status, whereas boys of the same age will cite their abilities, their talents and their social status pretty accurately.”
—Terri Apter (20th century)