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.
Sunday, 1st February 2026 - Epiphany Season: The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany; The Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas); The Third Sunday before Lent (Septuagesima)
***As tomorrow is Candlemas, the Psalms, Readings and Collects used in our services today are those which are appointed for this Principal Feast; please see the Parish Eucharist and Evening Prayer with Hymns / Choral Evensong pages of this site (which can be found under 'Services and events'), for more information.***
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:12, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
The Collect of the Day:
God our creator, who in the beginning commanded the light to shine out of darkness: we pray that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ may dispel the darkness of ignorance and unbelief, shine into the hearts of all your people, and reveal the knowledge of your glory in the face 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.
Common Worship
A Prayer for all People in the United Kingdom and Across the World who are Currently 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.
The Church of England
A Prayer for Peace in the World:
God of peace, who has created humanity, the object of your kindness, to be close to you in glory, we bless you and we thank you because you have sent us your beloved son, Jesus, making him the mystery of the peace, the architect of all salvation, the source of all peace, the bond of true brotherhood.
We thank you for the desire, the efforts, the realisations which your spirit of peace has roused in our day: to replace hatred with love, diffidence with understanding, unconcern with care. Open yet more our hearts to the needs of all our brothers and sisters, so that we may be better able to build a true peace.
Remember, God of mercy, all who are in pain, who suffer and die in the cause of a more fraternal world. For the people of every race, of every tongue, may your kingdom come: your kingdom of justice, of peace, of love; and may the earth be filled with your glory.
Amen.
The Anglican Church in Menorca - Part of the Diocese in Europe
Durham Diocesan Deanery Monthly Prayer Intention - February 2026:
To be announced
A Prayer for Candlemas:
I left my candle burning. Lit from light
Borrowed from another, it stood there
Witness to Christ, Light of the world;
Prayer that light would overcome darkness.
As I left, another lit a candle from my light,
Dispelling gloom with added strength.
Who knows how many joined their light to those,
Or drew fresh courage from their company;
Who knows how many took a step, drawn by the
Light of Christ from darkness to new life?
Lord Christ, set me on fire.
Burn from me all that dims your light,
Kindle an answering flame in lives around;
That darkness may be driven back,
And glory stream into this world,
Transforming it with love.
Candlemas Prayer by Ann Lewin, © Ann Lewin, 1997. From the book ‘Candles and Kingfishers’
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
