A Communion paten is a small plate that is held by an altar server or acolyte during the distribution of Holy Communion. It is placed under the the chin or the hands of the communicant to ensure that the host, or particles of the host do not fall to the ground. The patens are then purified over the chalice by the priest or deacon, and the chalice is purified with water, which is drunk by the priest or deacon.

Ask the Register: are there rules about patens?

Not only does the smoke symbolize the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven, incense actually creates the ambiance of heaven. The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly worship as follows: “Another angel came in holding a censer of gold. He took his place at the altar of incense and was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God’s holy ones. From the angel’s hand, the smoke of the incense went up before God, and with it the prayers of God’s people.” Hence, incense connects us to God’s altar in heaven and allows us to utilize all of our senses in our prayer.

The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell reminds us of the transcendence of the Mass which links heaven with earth, and allows us to enter into the presence of God.

According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal incense may be used during the entrance procession; at the beginning of Mass, to incense the altar; at the procession and proclamation of the Gospel; at the offertory, to incense the offerings, altar, priest and people; and at the elevation of the Sacred Host and chalice of Precious Blood after the consecration.

Why Do We Use Incense?

Small silk cloth, typically of the same color as the priest’s vestments, used to cover the Chalice and protect the Precious Blood form insects, dust, bugs, etc.

The consecrated gold or gilded silver cup used to hold the Precious Blood.

When Mass begins, the Chalice is covered by the folded purificator and the pall.

Guide to Liturgical Vessels

In honor of Jesus Christ a lamp burns perpetually before the altar. The Christian soul longs to remain in constant adoration at the feet of Our Lord, there to be consumed by gratitude and love. In Heaven alone will this happiness be given to us, but here below, as an expression of our devout desires, we place a lamp in the sanctuary to take our place. In this little light St. Augustine shows us an image of the three Christian virtues. Its clearness is faith, which enlightens our mind; its warmth is love, which fills our heart; its flame, which, trembling and agitated, mounts upward till it finds rest in its center, is hope, with its aspirations toward Heaven, and its troubles outside of God. (Serm. 67, de Script.)

THE HOLY MASS: AN EXPLANATION OF THE REQUISITES, VESTMENTS, VESSELS AND OTHER ARTICLES FOR THE ALTAR AND SANCTUARY

The term corporal is a Latin word that means ‘body’. It is an additional smaller cloth that is placed at the centre front of the altar for the paten and chalice to be placed on. The chalice and paten will hold the Body and Blood of Christ once the words of consecration are prayed at the Eucharist.

PREPARING THE CHURCH FOR MASS