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).Wednesday, 13th May 2026 - Ascensiontide: The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord; The Beginning of Thy Kingdom Come; The Fifth Day of Christian Aid Week
***Please note that due to the poor weather conditions, this evening's Deanery Ascension Day Eucharist will now take place at St Oswald's (same time, 6:30pm).***
Lo, the heaven its Lord receives, Alleluia,
yet he loves the earth he leaves; Alleluia,
though returning to his throne, Alleluia,
still he calls mankind his own. Alleluia!
From 'Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise', Charles Wesley 1707–1788, Thomas Cotterill 1779–1823 and others; Common Praise: A new edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (2000), Canterbury Press Norwich; #167
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up towards heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up towards heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’
Acts 1:8-11, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
The Collect of the Day:
Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Common Worship
A Prayer for a World free from Poverty:
God of justice, we pray for a world free from poverty,
where all people can live with dignity, hope and enough to thrive.
Be close to those facing hardship today.
Bring strength where there is struggle
and hope where there is uncertainty.
Open our eyes to injustice,
our hearts to compassion,
and our lives to action.
May we stand together in love
until poverty is no more.
Amen.
Christian Aid
A Poem for the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord:
Ascension Day
Soft cloud, that while the breeze of May
Chants her glad matins in the leafy arch,
Draw'st thy bright veil across the heavenly way
Meet pavement for an angel's glorious march:
My soul is envious of mine eye,
That it should soar and glide with thee so fast,
The while my grovelling thoughts half buried lie,
Or lawless roam around this earthly waste.
Chains of my heart, avaunt I say -
I will arise, and in the strength of love
Pursue the bright track ere it fade away,
My Saviour's pathway to His home above.
Sure, when I reach the point where earth
Melts into nothing from th' uncumbered sight,
Heaven will o'ercome th' attraction of my birth.
And I shall sink in yonder sea of light:
Till resting by th' incarnate LORD,
Once bleeding, now triumphant for my sake,
I mark Him, how by seraph hosts adored,
He to earth's lowest cares is still awake.
The sun and every vassal star,
All space, beyond the soar of angel wings,
Wait on His word: and yet He stays His car
For every sigh a contrite suppliant brings.
He listens to the silent tear
For all the anthems of the boundless sky -
And shall our dreams of music bar our ear
To His soul-piercing voice for ever nigh?
Nay, gracious Saviour—but as now
Our thoughts have traced Thee to Thy glory-throne
So help us evermore with thee to bow
Where human sorrow breathes her lowly moan.
We must not stand to gaze too long,
Though on unfolding Heaven our gaze we bend
Where lost behind the bright angelic throng
We see CHRIST'S entering triumph slow ascend.
No fear but we shall soon behold,
Faster than now it fades, that gleam revive,
When issuing from his cloud of fiery gold
Our wasted frames feel the true sun, and live.
Then shall we see Thee as Thou art,
For ever fixed in no unfruitful gaze,
But such as lifts the new-created heart,
Age after age, in worthier love and praise.
John Keble
The Collect for Thy Kingdom Come:
Almighty God, your ascended Son has sent us into the world to preach the good news of your kingdom: inspire us with your Spirit and fill our hearts with the fire of your love, that all who hear your Word may be drawn to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Thy Kingdom Come
Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:
May 2026 - Gateshead and Gateshead West Deaneries
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
The parish of St. Oswald's, Durham is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults.
Please click through to our safeguarding page for more information.