“There you are on the paten, there you are in the chalice” St. Augustine

I learned that quotation when I was in seminary and I really liked it. It can mean that even if we are not the priest who celebrates the divine service, we fully participate regardless. We fully identify with Jesus’ humanity and passion; so, we also fully participate in his divinity and glory. When I remembered these words, at Eucharist, I’d mentally “place” my life on the altar vessels mentally from my place in the pews. 

After my ordination, this habit of “seeing yourself in the chalice and paten” became poignant. As the celebrating priest, I noticed I could catch my reflection in the silver and brass vessels when I lifted them after the words: “Do this in remembrance of me.” When I kneel after each elevation, I mentally “place” my life on the paten and in the chalice.

When we had the 75th Anniversary service last month, it was an “East Facing” service. I faced the altar in the same orientation as you. And when I lifted the chalice, I saw my face in the brass again, but, since the congregation was behind me, I experienced something new. I saw all of you in the reflection as well. For a moment, I was reminded, it isn’t only my life that gets wrapped up in the Sacrament, but yours as well – all of us together.

Fr. Tom Adamson, September 1, 2026