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.
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).
Sunday, 26th July 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Eighth Sunday after Trinity
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 Principal Service:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
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)
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
