Chalices and Patens

Chalices, patens and communion cups are all objects used during various religious ceremonies. Chalices and communion cups are types of drinking vessels while a paten is a small plate or shallow bowl that sits upon the chalice during particular ceremonies.

A chalice or communion cup is a decorative goblet that is intended to hold a drink. Catholic chalices are often used to hold wine during the Eucharist. Chalices are most often made of metal and may be finely decorated or encrusted with jewels. References to gold or silver chalice use may be found throughout scripture and it is not uncommon for a newly ordained person to be presented with gifts of various chalices from friends and family members. We offer select styles of chalices that may be engraved for a small additional charge.

Like a chalice, a communion cup is designed to hold a drink. Communion cups tend to be smaller than chalices and often come in sets of multiple pieces to avoid having to reuse a cup during service. Communion cups are sometimes referred to as a communion chalice or chalice communion cups.

The paten is a small plate that that is used during the service to hold the Eucharist bread. The paten is sometimes placed on top of the chalice as part of the ceremony.