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).
Wednesday, 29th April 2026 - Easter Season: The Feast of St Catherine of Siena, Teacher of the Faith, 1380 [Lesser Festival]
Alleluia, Alleluia!
We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Alleluia!
Romans 6:9-11, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
Luke 3:21-22, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
The Collect of the Day:
O merciful God, who gavest to thy servant Catherine of Siena a wondrous love of the passion of Christ: grant that we thy people may be united to him in his majesty and rejoice for ever in the revelation of his glory; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Common Worship
A Prayer Poem for the Feast of St Catherine of Siena:
My Nature is Fire
In your nature, eternal Godhead,
I shall come to know my nature.
And what is my nature, boundless love?
It is fire,
because you are nothing but a fire of love.
And you have given humankind
a share in this nature,
for by the fire of love you created us.
And so with all other people
and every created thing;
you made them out of love.
O ungrateful people!
What nature has your God given you?
His very own nature!
Are you not ashamed to cut yourself off from such a noble thing
through the guilt of deadly sin?
O eternal Trinity, my sweet love!
You, light, give us light.
You, wisdom, give us wisdom.
You, supreme strength, strengthen us.
Today, eternal God,
let our cloud be dissipated
so that we may perfectly know and follow your Truth in truth,
with a free and simple heart.
God, come to our assistance!
Lord, make haste to help us! Amen.
St Catherine of Siena
A Prayer for Good Shepherd Sunday:
Good Shepherd of the sheep by whom we the lost are sought and guided into the fold; feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole. In this ongoing season of walking within the shadow of levels and bubbles, thank you that you walk with us giving strength and peace. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
Northwest Anglican - Church of the Good Shepherd, Massey, Auckland, NZ (Part of the Diocese of Auckland in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia)
A Prayer for Those in Fear of Death, that They may Find Faith Through the Resurrection:
Jesus, Lord, don't let the fear of death overpower us.
And don't let the loss of our loved ones
cause us to doubt your power to "Easter" everybody.
Remind us, Lord,
that you have the last words over death.
You are risen!
You are not "among the dead".
Neither are we.
We shall live forever in your triumphant love.
Amen.
The Missionary Society of St Columban, US
Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:
April 2026 - Chester-le-Street and Houghton Deanery
The Prayer of St Oswald of Northumbria:
Let us together implore the living and true and almighty God in his mercy to defend us against the pride and fierceness of our enemy; for that God knows our cause is just, and that we fight for the salvation of our nation.
Amen.
Prayed by King Oswald with his Army on the Battlefield on the Eve of the Battle of Heavenfield, AD634
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
