St. Clare in Colesburg, Ky., was created as an oratory in 1996 after the parish closed. At that time, care for the church and cemetery was assigned to St. Benedict Church in Lebanon Junction, Ky.
Effective April 1, at the request of the pastors involved, the care for St. Clare Oratory and Cemetery was moved and administered by the pastor/administrator of St. Ambrose Church in Cecilia, Ky.
For pastoral reasons, the archbishop may grant oratory status to the church building of a parish that has closed.
Regularly scheduled liturgical services, including sacramental celebrations, such as baptisms, are not held at an oratory.
Special liturgies — such as a funeral or wedding for former parishioners, an anniversary Mass or special feast day Masses — may be scheduled with the permission of the pastor or administrator who cares for the oratory.
