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).Thursday, 12th February 2026 - Ordinary Time
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Titus 2:11-14, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
The Collect of the Day:
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever.
Amen.
Common Worship
A Prayer for General Synod (Currently Taking Place in London):
Wise and gracious God, you lead your people into all truth. Send your Holy Spirit upon the members of the General Synod, giving compassion as they listen, wisdom as they speak, discernment in their decisions; that through their work, the Church of England may bear witness to your grace and bring your light and life to this nation; through Jesus Christ, the Shepherd and King, who prays that all his people may be one.
Amen.
The Diocese of Oxford
A Prayer for Unity in Diversity:
Almighty God, through your Holy Spirit you created unity in the midst of diversity;
We acknowledge that human diversity is an expression of your manifold love for your creation;
We confess that in our brokenness as human beings we turn diversity into a source of alienation, injustice, oppression, and wounding.
Empower us to recognise and celebrate differences as your great gift to the human family.
Enable us to be the architects of understanding, of respect and love;
Through the Lord, the ground of all unity, we pray.
Amen.
St George's Church, Beckenham - Part of the Diocese of Rochester; Author Unknown
Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Monthly Deanery Intention:
February 2026 - Hartlepool Deanery
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.