Diocesan bookstore to close in March

The diocesan Office of Religious Education bookstore, located on the ground floor of the Chancery at 49 Elm St., will close March 18, according to Elizabeth A. Marcil, director.
The bookstore sells books on religious subjects to parishes and schools and to the public.
Bookstore manager Patricia A. Naple said that, over the years, the parishes and schools have been very supportive. The bookstore used to sell religious education textbooks, but that has dropped off in recent years, she said.
She said that when she started in 1977 she and another person worked in the bookstore in Worcester. There were two other diocesan bookstores then, one in the Fitchburg/Leominster area and one in southern Worcester County.
She said the bookstore has been a ministry. In recent years, she said, business has slowed. She said she believes some business has been lost to Amazon, an online bookseller.
Ms. Marcil said the closing reflects “the way of the world.” She said Amazon has closed many a bookstore. The Office of Religious Education will continue to help parishes, schools and other customers find resources, Ms. Marcil said. The religious education office will maintain a full library of material for catechesis and a full DVD rental library.
The bookstore is having a liquidation sale with books and other merchandise marked 20-50% off.