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).
Friday, 12th June 2026 - Ordinary Time
And the Lord said, ‘Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.
Luke 12:42-44, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
The Collect of the Day:
O God, the strength of all them that put their trust in thee, mercifully accept our prayers and, because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace that, in keeping of thy commandments, we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, 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 all who are Affected by the Recent Earthquake in the Philippines:
Gracious and loving God, We come before you in sorrow and prayer as we remember all those affected by the devastating earthquake in the Philippines. We especially lift up those who have lost their lives. Receive them into your eternal care and grant them rest in your heavenly kingdom, where there is no more pain, suffering, or fear.
Lord, comfort the families and loved ones who mourn the loss of those taken from them. Surround them with your peace, strengthen them in their grief, and remind them of your abiding presence in this time of sorrow.
We pray for the injured, the displaced, and all who are living in uncertainty. Grant them healing, protection, and hope. Provide for their needs and strengthen the communities working together to rebuild their lives.
Bless and protect the rescue workers, medical personnel, volunteers, and all who are assisting those affected. Give them wisdom, courage, and endurance as they serve with compassion.
May your mercy be upon the people of the Philippines. In the midst of tragedy, let your light shine, your love sustain, and your hope prevail.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Anglican/Episcopalian in the Philippines
A Collect for the Right Reverend Rick Simpson who was Installed as Bishop of Durham on Sunday, 7th June 2026 at Durham Cathedral:
Almighty God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, who didst call thy servant Rick to be a bishop in the Church, to feed thy sheep by the word of Christ and to guide them by his godly example: give us grace to abide by the faith of the Church and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Common Worship
A Prayer in Celebration of 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 recognize 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.
Author Unknown
Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:
June 2026 - Jarrow Deanery
A Prayer of St Oswald of Northumbria:
Let us kneel together, and pray the true, the ever living and almighty God to protect us in his mercy from the arrogant savagery of our enemies, for he knows that we fight in a just cause for the preservation of our nation.
Amen.
(Prayed by King Oswald with his Army on the Battlefield on the Eve of the Battle of Heavenfield, AD634)
Saints of the North
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
