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 Parish 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 can be found in the 'News' tab, and please ask if you'd like to join the mailing list. Here are the links to bell ringing and choir and concert information. 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).Upcoming Services and Events:
Sunday, 15th November 2026 - The Second Sunday before Advent (The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Trinity): Sung Parish Eucharist (Common Worship) at 11:00am, and Choral Evensong (BCP) at 6:00pm
All are very welcome.
***Please note that we are currently experiencing an issue with our heating system in church, so please wrap up warmly when visiting us. Hot water bottles are available for use by those attending any of our services, or if you'd like to bring your own, we can fill them for you, either in the Institute before Parish Eucharist or in the vestry prior to Evensong and Midweek Holy Communion. Blankets are also available. We apologize for any inconvenience that this issue may cause.***
Thursday, 12th November 2026 - Ordinary Time
The Collect of the Day:
Almighty Father, whose will is to restore all things in thy beloved Son, the King of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin, to be subject to his just and gentle rule; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Common Worship
Today's Reading:
The Coming of the Kingdom
Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’
Then he said to the disciples, ‘The days are coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or “Look here!” Do not go, do not set off in pursuit. For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must endure much suffering and be rejected by this generation.
Luke 17:20–25, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
A Prayer for Inter Faith Week, Sunday 8th–Sunday 15th November 2026:
Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith,
Help us Lord, this Inter Faith Week, to draw closer to people of all faiths,
Sharing the gifts you have given us,
Giving thanks for all that we receive through dialogue.
Help us to be people of reconciliation,
Building up our communities,
Putting the needs of others before our own.
Where there is discrimination, fear or hurt,
We pray for healing and repair,
Trusting in the one who for the sake of the joy set before him endured the cross
Taking his seat at the right of the throne of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The Right Reverend Jonathan Martin Gainsborough - Suffragan Bishop of Kingston in the Diocese of Southwark
(The theme for this year's Inter Faith Week is 'Lighting the Way for a Shared Future', inspired by the symbolism of light found across many faiths and traditions.)
Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:
November 2026: Stockton Deanery
A Prayer of our Patron, St Oswald of Northumbria:
Let us all kneel, and together beseech the true and living God Almighty in his mercy to defend us from the proud and cruel enemy; for he knows that we have undertaken a just war for the safety of our nation.
Amen.
St Oswald of Northumbria
(This prayer was prayed by King Oswald and his army on the battlefield on the eve of the Battle of Heavenfield.)
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.