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 11am, 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 6pm 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 10am on Wednesdays, and the church is usually open from 9:30am till round about 5pm (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.Saturday, 10th January 2026 - Epiphany Season: Commemoration of William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645
The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 23:11-12, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
The Collect of the Day:
O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face; 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.
A Prayer for the Church:
Gracious Father, we humbly beseech thee to bless thy Holy Catholic Church, and fill it with truth and grace. Where it is corrupt, purge it; where it is in error, direct it; where anything is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen and confirm it; where it is wanting, furnish it; where it is divided and rent asunder, heal the breaches thereof, O Thou Holy One of Israel.
Amen.
William Laud, The Churchpeople's Prayer Book 1935
A Prayer for Good to Overcome Evil, and for Peace to Come to Goma and DR Congo:
We thank you, Lord, for the peacemaking happening in Goma and across DR Congo. Thank you that you are bringing peace within people’s hearts, between individuals, among tribes. We pray for peacemakers to be raised up in communities big and small across the country, for good to overcome evil. We ask for your peace for DR Congo: not just a lack of conflict but a true, lasting peace that allows people to feel safe and know joy and hope for the future.
Amen.
Church Mission Society
Durham Diocesan Deanery Monthly Prayer Intention - January 2026:
Easington Deanery
A Prayer for the Season of Epiphany:
Almighty and eternal God,
Brightness of faithful souls,
you brought the Gentiles to your light,
and made known to them him who is the true Light,
and the bright and morning Star.
Fill the world with your glory,
and show yourself by the radiance of your light to all nations;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayers through the Centuries: A Revision of Prayers of the Early Church and Prayers of the Middle Ages, Paul C Stratman (Originally Edited by James Manning Potts)
The parish of St. Oswald's, Durham is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults.
Please click through to our safeguarding page for more information.
