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).Tuesday, 10th February 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Commemoration of St Scholastica, Sister of St Benedict of Nursia, Abbess of Plombariola, c.543
At my first defence no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:16-18, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
The Collect of the Day:
Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever.
Amen.
Common Worship
A Collect for the Commemoration of St Scholastica:
As we celebrate anew the memorial of the Virgin Saint Scholastica, we pray, O Lord, that, following her example, we may serve you with pure love and happily receive what comes from loving you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Roman Missal
A Prayer for General Synod (Currently Taking Place in London):
Wise and gracious God, you lead your people into all truth. Send your Holy Spirit upon the members of the General Synod, giving compassion as they listen, wisdom as they speak, discernment in their decisions; that through their work, the Church of England may bear witness to your grace and bring your light and life to this nation; through Jesus Christ, the Shepherd and King, who prays that all his people may be one.
Amen.
The Diocese of Oxford
A Prayer for Unity in Diversity:
Almighty God, through your Holy Spirit you created unity in the midst of diversity;
We acknowledge that human diversity is an expression of your manifold love for your creation;
We confess that in our brokenness as human beings we turn diversity into a source of alienation, injustice, oppression, and wounding.
Empower us to recognise and celebrate differences as your great gift to the human family.
Enable us to be the architects of understanding, of respect and love;
Through the Lord, the ground of all unity, we pray.
Amen.
St George's Church, Beckenham - Part of the Diocese of Rochester; Author Unknown
Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Monthly Deanery Intention:
February 2026 - Hartlepool Deanery
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.