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.
Tuesday, 25th November 2025 - The Commemoration of St Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr, 4th Century; The Commemoration of Isaac Watts, Hymn Writer 1748
The Collect of the Day:
Eternal Father, whose Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord and King: keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace, and bring the whole created order to worship at his feet; 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 affected by Storms and Flooding:
God of compassion, you hear the cries of all who are in trouble or distress; accept our prayers for those whose lives are affected by storms and flooding: strengthen them in their hour of need, grant them perseverance and courage to face the future and be to them a firm foundation on which to build their lives; this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer and Worship, Church of England
A Collect for St Catherine of Alexandria:
Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr Catherine of Alexandria triumphed over suffering and was faithful unto death: strengthen us with your grace, that we may endure reproach and persecution and faithfully bear witness to the name of 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.
The Diocese of Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (the Hong Kong Anglican Church)
O God, Our Help In Ages Past by Isaac Watts, Verse 3:
Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting thou art God, to endless years the same.
Common Praise: A new edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern, 537
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
