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.

Tuesday, 24th February 2026 - Lenten Season: The Fourth Anniversary of the War in Ukraine (Ukraine National Day of Prayer)

Friends, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong. You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 

Galatians 4:12-15, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition 

The Collect of the Day:

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; 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 Ukraine:

God of peace and justice, 

We continue to pray for the people of Ukraine on this fourth anniversary of the outbreak of war.

We pray for peace and laying down of weapons and for your Spirit of peace, to all caught up in this and all wars. 

Give wisdom, discernment and compassion to all who are working to bring peace.

Amen.

St Andrew's Church, Trowse - Part of the Diocese of Norwich 

A Prayer for Those Called to be Our Leaders:

***We pray especially at this time for the newly appointed Bishop of Durham, the Venerable Rick Simpson, and send him our congratulations and best wishes.***

Gracious and everliving God, we pray for those who are called to be leaders of your people. Grant them wisdom, patience and peace that they may serve in the depth and capacity of their calling. Grant the blessings of courage and humility to all in our communities, that we can walk in unity and serve in greater capacities to build up and enable others. 

Amen.

Adapted from the Anglican Journal; Original Prayer Written by the Most Reverend Chris Harper, National Indigenous Archbishop and Presiding Elder of Sacred Circle in the Anglican Church of Canada

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Monthly Deanery Intention - February 2026:

Hartlepool Deanery

A Prayer for Lententide:

Stretching out thy divine hands upon the cross, thou hast joined together that which before was divided, and by thy mediation thou hast offered as a gift to the Father the nature of mortal man, that was under condemnation. Therefore we sing the praises of thy sinless crucifixion.

Amen.

St Joseph the Studite

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