In Catholic Church architecture, a chapel is a distinct architectural element serving a specific liturgical function. Its location varies; sometimes it's a separate building, other times an annex within a larger church. Functionally, a chapel provides a sacred space for prayer, Mass, or other religious services, often smaller and more intimate than the main church. Within the Catholic tradition, the chapel symbolizes a dedicated area for communion with God, a smaller-scale replica of the larger church, representing a more private and focused expression of faith.