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, 9th March 2026 - Lenten Season

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 5:7-10, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition

The Collect of the Day:

Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Common Worship

***We pray especially at this time for the repose of the soul of the Right Reverend Andrew Watson - Bishop of Guildford who died on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026; for his family, friends and loved ones and for all who mourn his loss, particularly our brethren who worship and serve in the Diocese of Guildford.*** 

A Prayer in Loving Memory and in Thanksgiving for the Life and Ministry of the Right Reverend Andrew Watson - Bishop of Guildford:

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for Andrew, our brother and bishop: for his faith and faithfulness to you in life and in leadership. As we mourn his death and commend him to your loving arms, give us the same faith, hope and love rooted in the death and resurrection of your son, Jesus. We pray especially for Beverly, Hannah, Sam, Joe, Lydia and the whole family. Comfort them with your Holy Spirit and protect them in their grief. And bring us, at the last, with Andrew and all your children, to that eternal joy where you live and reign in glory forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

The Diocese of Guildford

Rest eternal grant unto thy servant Andrew, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

A Prayer for the People of Iran and the Wider Middle East in Response to the Current Escalation of Violence:

Ever loving God, who hears us in our anguish and distress, and longs for us to be free. We pray for the people of Iran and the wider Middle East, at this time of fear and uncertainty. Be near to those who are anxious; bring comfort to all who are suffering. Guide those with the power to make decisions, and lead them in the ways of wisdom, compassion and moderation: that people of goodwill would seek harmony and reconciliation. Join us with our Christian brothers and sisters in all places, in praying for peace with justice, through him who is the prince of peace, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani - Bishop of Chelmsford 

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Monthly Deanery Intention - March 2026:

Lanchester Deanery

A Prayer for Lententide:

Hanging as a vine upon the Wood,
O Christ our Saviour,
Thou hast made the ends of the earth
to drink from the wine of incorruption.
Therefore do I cry aloud:
I am darkened always by the hateful drunkenness of sin;
Give me to drink from the sweet wine of true compunction,
and grant me now the strength, O Saviour,
to fast from sensual pleasures,
for Thou art good and lovest mankind.

Amen.

St Joseph the Studite, Lenten Triodion

The Prayer of St Oswald of Northumbria:

Let us together implore the living and true and almighty God in his mercy to defend us against the pride and fierceness of our enemy; for that God knows our cause is just, and that we fight for the salvation of our nation.

Amen.

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