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.

Wednesday, 3rd December 2025 - Advent; The Commemoration of St Francis Xavier, Missionary, Apostle of the Indies, 1552

The Collect of the Day:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and to put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Common Worship

A Collect for the Commemoration of St Francis Xavier:

Loving God, you called Francis Xavier to lead many in India and Japan to know Jesus Christ as their Redeemer: Bring us to the new life of glory promised to all who follow in the Way; through the same Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Daily Office Network

A Prayer for All who Work in the Criminal Justice System:

Spirit of wisdom and mercy, lead those responsible for exercising justice in the way of truth; bring discernment, fair minded judgement and a willingness to confront injustice as they consider the lives of others. In every role and place of work through the whole criminal justice system, guide and empower people to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit. Amen.

Prisons Week 2020

A Prayer for the People of Sri Lanka Affected by Cyclone Ditwah, Heavy Rains, Floods and Landslides Recently:

Lord, we pray for those harmed, displaced, missing or bereaved due to the destruction of this extreme weather crisis. We pray for the emergency services and the ministry of the church as they respond to the situation. May the God of all comfort be with those who are fearful, searching for loved ones, seeking refuge or grieving at this time. Amen.

The Most Reverend Nishantha Fernando, Primate of the Church of Ceylon (the Anglican Church in Sri Lanka) and Bishop of Kurunegala