We are a Church of England parish with a strong tradition of music in worship, where all are very welcome. As an ancient Church in the centre of Durham, St Oswald's is a reservoir of peace for all who enter it.
The Sunday Eucharist is at 11 am, and we have a play and books corner by the font for any younger worshipper who feels a parent or carer would enjoy it there. Evensong is at 6 pm on Sundays, either in the chancel, or roughly every other week during term time when the usual hymns expand to a full choral setting, in the body of the church. Midweek Holy Communion is at 10 am on Wednesdays, and the church is usually open from 9:30 am till round about 5 pm (or dusk, if earlier) on weekdays.
The latest editions of the weekly news-sheet and music notes are in the 'News' tab, and please ask if you'd like to join the mailing list. Here are links to bell ringing and
choir and concert info. We have a strong connection with
St Oswald's Primary and Nursery School, and with our neighbouring parishes within the Benefice of The Three Saints;
St Mary's Shincliffe,
St Mary's Coxhoe and
St Helen's Kelloe.
Tuesday, 23rd December 2025 - Advent
The Collect of the Day:
God our redeemer, who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the mother of your Son: grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour, so we may be ready to greet him when he comes again as our judge; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Common Worship.
A Prayer for All Who Work in the Medical and Healing Professions:
Dear God, your son, Jesus Christ, healed all kinds of sickness, continue his work among us; bless and heal the sick, give to all doctors, surgeons, nurses, and all carers wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience. Send down your blessing on all who work to relieve suffering and pain, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St Mary's Church, Portsea in the Diocese of Portsmouth.
A Prayer for All People Affected by the Recent Attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia:
God of mercy and compassion, we grieve the lives lost in the violence at Bondi. We hold before you those who were killed, those who were injured, and all who are traumatised by what they witnessed. Draw near to the families and friends who mourn, and surround them with your comfort and peace. Strengthen first responders and all who care for the wounded. In the face of cruelty and fear, plant in us a deeper commitment to protect life, to resist violence, and to walk in your ways of peace. Through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
The Parish of Lower Glenelg - Part of The Anglican Diocese of Ballarat in The Anglican Church of Australia.
A Prayer for the Season of Advent:
During this month of Advent, as we make preparations for Christmas, let us remember people living away from home through strife, war, famine, fear and political instability. Just as there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn, there is often no room for people rejected by their own communities.
Let us pray for all political leaders to help them to make wise decisions about refugees and asylum seekers. We pray that your command to love our neighbour is lived out by our nation.
We pray for all those who work to help alleviate the suffering and poverty caused by war, famine and political crises. Lord there are those who work formally through the United Nations and those who minster through many charities. May they all be given the strength to carry on in all conditions and the knowledge that you are there with them.
We pray that through the love of Jesus many will find hope this Christmas.
Amen.
World Day of Prayer - England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Seventh O Antiphon - O Emmanuel (O God With Us):
O Emmanuel, our King and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Saviour: Come and save us, O Lord our God.
Common Worship.
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
