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.
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.
Sunday, 28th December 2025 - Christmas Season; The Feast of the Holy Innocents
The Collect of the Day:
Heavenly Father, whose children suffered at the hands of Herod, though they had done no wrong: by the suffering of your Son and by the innocence of our lives frustrate all evil designs and establish your reign of justice and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Common Worship.
A Prayer for People who are Experiencing Homelessness:
Lord Jesus, we pray for those experiencing homelessness,
For those sleeping in doorways and parks, in hostels, B&Bs and on sofas,
For families facing eviction because of rising costs,
For those fleeing from fear, injustice and abuse.
Lord, strengthen staff and volunteers who support them
With grace, compassion and love.
May we all learn to love our neighbour
That all might find a home in you
Amen.
Horsham Churches Together, West Sussex.
A Prayer for the Christmas Season:
God of the waiting and the watching ones we praise you that you sent your Son to meet us.
God of the frightened and the lonely ones we praise you that you sent your Son to calm and surround us.
God of the oppressed and marginalized ones we praise you that you sent your Son to liberate and include us.
God of the bereaved and hurting ones we praise you that you sent your Son to comfort and heal us.
This Christmas fill our hearts with your love, that like Mary and Joseph we would be willing to take risks to proclaim your love to a hurting world, stand up against injustice and share the hospitality of your kingdom.
We ask all this in the precious name of the Baby of Bethlehem.
Amen.
Embrace the Middle East.
Everyone at St Oswald's wishes you a Christmas filled with the peace of God, the joy of the birth of Christ, and the hope of the Holy Spirit.
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
