A circular dish resembling a saucer, of the same material as the chalice, and consecrated by a bishop with anointings of holy chrism. It is used to hold the bread at the Offertory of the Mass, and later to hold the Sacred Host. At solemn Masses, except those of Requiem, the paten is held enshrouded in the humeral veil by the subdeacon from the Offertory to the Pater Noster. See also, communion plate.
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