A small saucer shaped plate of precious metal on the altar that holds the host.

No layperson should touch the paten and it is typically handled only by the celebrant or deacon.

Outside of its use at the Consecration, it sits on top of the chalice and is covered with a pall and the chalice veil and burse.

Not to be confused with the hand paten, which has a wooden handle and is held by a server during communion of the faithful to catch any crumbs or drops of the sacred elements.