A paten, or diskos,'s a small plate, usually made of silver or gold, used to hold Eucharistic bread which's to be consecrated. It's generally used during the service itself, while the reserved hosts are stored in the Tabernacle in a ciborium. Western Usage Within the Latin-Rite, the paten's typically either a simple saucer-like plate or a low bowl. A smaller style paten will often have a depression that allows it to securely sit on top of the chalice. In more traditional denominations or parish… (More on Paten)