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.

Wednesday, 5th August 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Feast of the Patron Saint of our Parish, Oswald, King of Northumbria and Martyr, 642

The Collect of the Day:

O Lord God almighty, who didst so kindle the faith of thy servant King Oswald with thy Spirit that he set up the sign of the cross in his kingdom and turned his people to the light of Christ: grant that we, being fired by the same Spirit, may ever bear our cross before the world and be found faithful servants of the gospel; 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 Reading for the Day:

Suffering as a Christian

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief-maker. Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. For the time has come for judgement to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And

‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?’

Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.

1 Peter 4:12-19, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition 

The Post Communion:

O eternal God, who hast given us this holy meal in which we have celebrated the glory of the cross and the victory of thy martyr Oswald: by our communion with Christ in his saving death and resurrection, grant us with all thy saints the courage to overcome evil and so to partake of the fruit of the tree of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. 

Common Worship

Oswald set up the sign of the holy cross and, kneeling down, prayed God to send his heavenly aid to those who trusted in him in their dire need. This place is pointed out to this day and held in great veneration. It is said that, when the cross had been hurriedly made and the hole dug in which it was to stand, the devout king with ardent faith seized the cross and placed it in position himself, holding it upright with his own hands until the soldiers had heaped up sufficient earth so that it stood firm. This done he raised his voice, and calling out to his army, said ‘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.’ The whole army did as he ordered and, advancing against the enemy as dawn was breaking, they won the victory that their faith deserved.

From the Ecclesiastical History of the English People, by the Venerable Bede

A Prayer for All Those Affected by the Recent Earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan:

God of mercy and compassion,

We pray for the people of Japan following the devastating earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Hold close all who mourn the loss of loved ones. Bring healing to those who are injured and comfort to all who are frightened, displaced or waiting for news of family and friends.

Protect those who remain trapped or missing. Give strength, wisdom and endurance to rescue workers, medical teams and all who are providing emergency assistance.

We pray for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. May they receive shelter, food, clean water, medical care and the practical support they need.

Strengthen our sisters and brothers in the Nippon Sei Ko Kai, the Anglican Church of Japan, and all churches and communities offering comfort and care.

Amid grief and destruction, sustain the people of Japan with courage and hope, and guide them through the long work of recovery.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our refuge and our strength.

Amen.

The Anglican Communion 

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month: 

August 2026 - Auckland Deanery