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 11:00am, 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 6:00pm 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 10:00am on Wednesdays, and the church is usually open from 9:30am till round about 5:00pm (or dusk, if earlier) on weekdays.

Monday, 27th July 2026 - Ordinary Time: Brooke Foss Westcott, Bishop of Durham, Teacher of the Faith, 1901 [Commemoration]

The Collect of the Day:

O almighty Lord and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify and govern both our hearts and bodies in the ways of thy laws and in the works of thy commandments, that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Common Worship 

Verses from the Second Reading Appointed for Today's Morning Prayer:

Then they all shouted out together, ‘Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!’ (This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!’ A third time he said to them, ‘Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.’ But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.

Luke 23:18-25, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition

A Prayer for Strengthening Christian Ministry:

O almighty and most merciful Father, who didst send thy beloved Son to die for the sins of the whole world, look down we beseech thee on all nations who have not known his name, and in thine own good time lead them to his cross. Strengthen with the comfort of thy Spirit all who bear abroad the message of the Gospel. Raise up among us a lively sympathy for their labours. Take away from those who bear all hardness of heart and pride, and penitence, and so move them blessed Lord with infinite love; and that the day may speedily come when all the ends of the world shall be turned unto thee, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd; we ask all this for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Brooke Foss Westcott

A Prayer for Our New Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and All Who Serve in Public Life:

God of wisdom and grace, we pray for our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, the new and returning ministers and all who serve in public life. Grant them wisdom to seek what is right, courage to make difficult decisions, and humility to listen with compassion. May they govern with justice, act with kindness, and always remember those whose voices are too often unheard. Bless our nation with peace, integrity, and hope. Help us to play our part as good neighbours and faithful citizens, working together for the common good. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

St Barnabas's Church, Bromborough (the Diocese of Chester) 

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

July 2026 - Wearmouth Deanery

A Prayer of St Oswald of Northumbria:

Let us all kneel, and jointly beseech the true and living God Almighty, in his mercy, to defend us from the haughty and fierce enemy; for He knows that we have undertaken a just war for the safety of our nation.

Amen. 

(Prayed by King Oswald with his Army on the Battlefield on the Eve of the Battle of Heavenfield, AD634)