Paten

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A paten, or diskos, is a small plate, usually made of silver or gold, used to hold Eucharistic hosts. It is generally used as a service item, while the reserved hosts are stored in the Tabernacle in a ciborium.

[edit] Latin-Rite Usage

Within the Latin-Rite, the Paten is typically either a simple saucer-like plate or a low bowl. Altar servers may also use a small Paten, usually attached to a stick, is placed under the Eucharist as it is distributed on people's tongues, so if the host might accidentally fall, it would fall into the Paten and not onto the floor.

As per the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the Paten (like the Chalice) must be made from a dignified, opaque material. Universally, metallic Patens of silver and gold are the norm, though the Vatican or the local Bishops' Conferences may allow dispensations from this obligation provided that the materials replacing them are worthy and dignified enough to suit the Liturgy. Though some parishes make use of glass or crystal Patens and Chalices, it is not permissible under the current rules.

[edit] Byzantine-Rite Usage

Within the Byzantine-Rite, the Paten is a small plate with a small platform on the bottom, usually more ornate than its Latin-Rite counterpart. It is accompanied by a small stand called an asterisk, a spoon and a spear. The Paten may also have a picture of Jesus Christ engraved into it.