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).
Saturday, 15th August 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Collect of the Day:
Almighty God, who didst look upon the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary and didst choose her to be the mother of thy only Son: grant that we who are redeemed by his blood may share with her in the glory of thine eternal kingdom; 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
The Gospel Reading:
Mary’s Song of Praise
And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’
(Luke 1:46-55, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition)
The Post Communion:
O God most high, whose handmaid bore the Word made flesh: we give thee thanks that in this sacrament of our redemption thou dost visit us with thy Holy Spirit and dost overshadow us with thy power; strengthen us to walk with Mary in the joyful path of obedience, that we may bring forth the fruits of holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Common Worship
A Poem for the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
To the Blessed Virgin Mary
O fruitful garden, and yet never till’d!
Box full of treasure, yet by no man fill’d!
O thou which hast made Him that first made thee!
O near of kin to all the Trinity!
O palace, where the King of all, and more,
went in and out, yet never open’d door,
whose flesh is purer than another’s spirit,
reach Him our prayers, and reach us down His merit!
O bread of life which swelld’st up without leaven!
O bridge which join’st together earth and heaven!
Whose eyes see me through these walls, and through glass,
and through this flesh as through cypress pass.
Behold a little heart made great by thee
swelling, yet shrinking at thy majesty.
O dwell in it! for wheresoe’er thou go’st,
there is the temple of the Holy Ghost.
John Donne
A Prayer for All Those Affected by the Recent Earthquake in Colombia, South America:
God of compassion,
We pray for the people of Colombia and for all whose lives have been devastated by the earthquake.
Comfort those who mourn, bring healing to the injured, shelter those who have lost their homes and sustain all who wait for news of loved ones.
Give strength, wisdom and protection to rescue workers, medical teams and all who are responding to the disaster. Be close to churches and communities offering comfort and practical help, and grant courage and hope in the days ahead.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Anglican Communion
Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:
August 2026 - Auckland Deanery
A Prayer of St Oswald:
(Prayed by King Oswald of Northumbria and his army on the battlefield on the eve of the Battle of Heavenfield)
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.
The Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
