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.

Monday, 29th December 2025 - Christmas Season; The Feast of St Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170

The Collect of the Day:

Lord God, who gave grace to your servant Thomas Becket to put aside all earthly fear and be faithful even to death: grant that we, disregarding worldly esteem, may fight all wrong, uphold your rule, and serve you to our life’s end; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, 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 Refugees:

Loving Father,

Whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own,

Keep safe all who are leaving behind conflict or persecution in search of peace.

Thank you that no matter how far from home they are, you are with them to guide them, your right hand will hold them fast.

Help us as churches to be ready with open arms for the people you send our way. Thank you for the perspectives, cultures and experiences they bring.

Give us compassion and generosity to welcome them as you have welcomed us.

And guide those in authority to work for a nation and a world that helps people in trouble and supports people in need.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Church Urban Fund.

A Prayer for the Christmas Season:

God of the waiting and the watching ones we praise you that you sent your Son to meet us.

God of the frightened and the lonely ones we praise you that you sent your Son to calm and surround us.

God of the oppressed and marginalized ones we praise you that you sent your Son to liberate and include us.

God of the bereaved and hurting ones we praise you that you sent your Son to comfort and heal us.

This Christmas fill our hearts with your love, that like Mary and Joseph we would be willing to take risks to proclaim your love to a hurting world, stand up against injustice and share the hospitality of your kingdom.

We ask all this in the precious name of the Baby of Bethlehem.

Amen.

Embrace the Middle East.

Everyone at St Oswald's wishes you a Christmas and New Year filled with the peace of God, the joy of the birth of Christ, and the hope of the Holy Spirit.