Today, the priest usually carries a lot of that with him and although it’s still called for, I haven’t seen a paten used in decades.
Just like at many Masses, sadly.
They do seem to be very rare. I can only think of 2 parishes around here that use them. I was surprised (or maybe shocked is more accurate) to read the following for the first time:
**The following are also to be prepared:
*]**Next to the priest’s chair: the Missal and, as needed, a hymnal;
**
*]**At the ambo: the Lectionary;
**
*]**On the credence table: the chalice, a corporal, a purificator, and, if appropriate, the pall; the paten and, if needed, ciboria; bread for the Communion of the priest who presides, the deacon, the ministers, and the people; cruets containing the wine and the water, unless all of these are presented by the faithful in procession at the Offertory; the vessel of water to be blessed, if the
asperges occurs; the Communion-plate for the Communion of the faithful; and whatever is needed for the washing of hands. **
**(
GIRM 118)
The Communion-plate for the Communion of the faithful should be retained, so as to avoid the danger of the sacred host or some fragment of it falling. (
Redemptionis Sacramentum 93)**
James
