What is the difference between Parish communion and Holy communion?

[LynetteScavo]

That's it, really.

Probably nothing. Different individual churches use different words for things. Or is it services in the same church at different times? If so, they my mean the "parish" one is more family friendy, possibly.

Nothing. They are both eucharists. Parish might mean an intent to be more welcoming (ie everyone who lives here, this is for you), Holy is emphasising the special nature of the Eucharist as opposed to non-Communion services like family ones or Matins

I have always wondered if it would be a Bad Thing if a protestant took communion at a Catholic church ?

I don't think you are meant to, GentleOtter. I would talk to the priest or get advice from a RC friend. I know Tony Blair did it , but that doesn't make it OK for the rest of us!
Most C of E churches will offer communion to anyone who is a confirmed member of a Christian church, although how obvious they make during the service that is definitely influenced by the parish priest.

The RC church would think so... they don't think that Anglican priests or bishops are properly ordained, so we're not properly confirmed. Other kinds of protestants are just as "lacking" I think.

And RC aren't meant to take communion in protestant churches either....

Sigh, church unity anyone?

Long time coming AMIS

Well, it was all united before the reformation dears!!!

Surely the meaning of communion transcends each religion?

You should ask the priest officiating. Strictly speaking only those members of RC church can take RC communion, but some priests are more ecumenically minded than others.

Sometimes when there are joint services the priest and vicar etc all get together beforehand to work out how to prepare and present the holy communion so that everyone can take it together.

Thank you Roisin.
I am Church of Scotland but have attended several Catholic funerals and felt unsure what to do when everyone else went up to take Communion.

If you are unsure, you can always go up and receive a blessing. You indicate this usually by crossing your arms over your chest and bowing your head.

I discovered I should have done this when I took the service sheet up with me and held that (which is the indication in our C of E church that you want a blessing)

Back before I was confirmed I was told to just keep my hands down and head bowed when offered communion, to get a blessing instead, but I ended up having to look the server in the eye, shake my head and mouth "no" to avoid the wine on some occasions.... and the server knew I was in the confirmation group and the vicar didn't like people to receive communion early. Still not sure if he was being very forgetful or trying to force the issue...

I think the service sheet indicator is a recent innovation. We used to do duck and cover as choristers.
Children get a grape at our church and I have one refusenik and one who stares balefully at the altarboy in the hope of seconds