Mass times this week
Regular weekly timetable
Mon
- 09:15
Tue
- –
Wed
- –
Thu
- –
Fri
- –
Sat
- 5:00pm
Sun
- 10:30am
Services with timing to confirm
These source labels need parish confirmation before they can be placed on a date.
See Mass times at the 3 other churches in Durham →
Parish schedules can change on holy days of obligation.
What the parish's page says
9.15am every Monday at St. Joseph’s
About St Joseph
St Joseph is a Roman Catholic church in Durham. It is part of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.
Introduction
St Joseph's Parish was founded in 1937, with Mass initially held in the old Crescent Cinema on Marshall Terrace.
History
In 1948 the parish was separated and Father James Kenny was appointed the first parish priest. The opening Mass was one of the first to be con-celebrated by eight priests, following changes authorised by the recent 2nd Vatican Council. Later plans were realised for the reordering of the church and provision of more social space, resulting in the Jubilee Room and Don Bosco rooms. A wooden hut was erected in the car park and used for many functions, including tea and biscuits after Sunday Mass. The old hut became rat infested and was demolished; the car park was later extended and the grounds landscaped.
Architecture and furnishings
The large window above the main church entrance was sponsored by Durham Light Infantry and includes their emblems. The Risen Christ statue above the Altar was carved by the late Michael Doyle, a retired miner from Houghton-le-Spring. David Brown of Newcastle designed this church, completed in 1966 by contractor George Stephenson, with seating for 500. A sacristy block connected the church to the existing presbytery. The smaller windows around the church are dedicated by parishioners in memory of deceased members of their families / parish groups.
Parish life
Children's Liturgy takes place at Saint Joseph's during the Sunday morning Masses for children from school age to those receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist in Year 4. Saint Joseph's is surrounded by gardens maintained with the help of a dedicated gardening group, with many roses and shrubs providing memorials to deceased parishioners and priests.
Regular events
The parish gathers as one community in Saint Leonard’s School to celebrate the great feasts of Christmas and Easter. Parishioner Roger McCone composed the Durham Martyr’s Mass setting, which was first performed in 2018. A monthly Memory Café welcomes people living with dementia and their carers.
Sacraments and pastoral care
Parents must complete the Parish Baptism programme before having their child baptised. The parish offers bereavement support through its Bereavement Group.
Visiting
Visitors with disabilities are supported by a car park with designated disabled spaces, ramp access, accessible toilets, hearing aid facilities, and a welcome for guide dogs. Carpet colour differentiation throughout the church assists people with a visual impairment. The site on Mill Lane, Gilesgate also incorporates the Parish Presbytery, offices and two group meeting rooms with catering facilities.
Sources for this profile
- 11cb5b_accb8ddb935f43a8a8ec1445fa80d844.pdfRetrieved 9 October 2026
- Children's Liturgy | DurhamMartyrsParishRetrieved 9 October 2026
- Upcoming Baptisms | The Parish of the Durham Martyrs | DurhamRetrieved 9 October 2026
- Upcoming Funerals | The Parish of the Durham Martyrs | DurhamRetrieved 9 October 2026
Find St Joseph
Map location for St Joseph
Mill Lane, Durham, Durham, Durham, DH1 2JG