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, 25th March 2026 - Annunciation: The Feast of the Annunciation of Our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary; The Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE; The World Day of Prayer for Women's Ordination

My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.

Galatians 4:1-5, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition

The Collect of the Day:

We beseech you, O Lord, pour your grace into our hearts, that as we have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection; 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 the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally:

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for sending Archbishop Sarah as a shepherd to guide your people. Gift her with wisdom and fill her with the Holy Spirit; help her to listen well, bring people together and serve as Jesus served. And we pray for ourselves: strengthen us in faith, and grant us a heart like Christ's, gentle, humble and devoted to the truth, so that we may share the Gospel with joy. In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

The Diocese of York 

(Adapted from a Prayer written by Aaliyah, Jahswil and Rhian - Year 9 Student Chaplains at The Archbishop’s School, Canterbury)

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Monthly Deanery Intention - March 2026:

Lanchester 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)