USA Locations

Alexandria, VA

AlexCommunity2

Communicating Christ in Today’s World

Pauline Books & Media Center

Transit Tips:

Paid street parking is available, but we recommend looking for free street parking along Cameron Street (parallel to King). You can also find us six blocks from the King Street Metro station (Blue/Yellow Lines) and along the free King Street Trolley route.

What We Offer

Books & Resources

Since 1982, our Pauline Books & Media center has been a trusted source for Catholic books and gifts in the DC metro area. From baby’s first Bible to the spiritual classics and beyond, we seek to accompany God’s people in all of life’s chapters by offering our patrons  personalized recommendationsand above all, a listening ear.

To hear about our latest picks, check out our monthly “What Are the Sisters Reading?” episode of the Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast.

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Adoration Chapel

What distinguishes us from traditional bookstores is the beating heart of our ministry: the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in our chapel, open to the public for prayer during book center hours.

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Events

We serve our local faith community through a rotating schedule of programming for all ages, including prayer experiences, vocational opportunities, retreats, talks, book signings, and our signature annual children’s events: the Summer Storytime series and the Baby Jesus Birthday Celebration.

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Meet Sr. Nancy - Media Fasting

“Do you ever feel sluggish, overwhelmed, or anxious after spending too much time in front of a screen? Does the constant pressure of staying digitally connected with people, ideas, and the latest trends leave you feeling disconnected—from yourself, from others, and from God?” These are the questions Sister Nancy Michael begins her presentations with when she is talking about Media Fasting.

We’re excited to bring Sister Nancy to the Pauline Book Center on April 5. We hope you join us. She has a unique and powerful way of helping people engage with media differently. In fact, the title of her book is: Media Fasting: Six Weeks to Recharge in Christ.

Two ways to meet Sister Nancy on April 5: 
Hear her speak at 9:30
Speak with her at Coffee and Conversation at 3:00

If you’re around this Lent, we’d love it if you’d stop in!

 

Speaking Engagements & Parish Missions

Following in the footsteps of our patron Saint Paul, our sisters seek to build up the Body of Christ by providing encouragement, inspiration, and faith formation in our local Church. You’ll find our sisters giving talks at nearby parishes, schools, religious education programs, and Catholic events, as well as offering parish missions. We cover a wide variety of topics, including prayer, healing, spirituality, vocational discernment, and media use, always putting Christ in the foreground as we strive to meet the needs of the people we serve.

To inquire about inviting a sister to speak, reach out to us below.

Vocational Discernment

Our sisters regularly host opportunities for vocational discernment, providing a space for young women to learn more about religious life and pray about where God is calling them. To become aware of  opportunities near you or to speak with a sister about vocational discernment, get in touch with us. Know that we are praying for you!

Pauline Cooperators

Are you a lay person who is feeling called to share in the mission of proclaiming God’s Word through the media? We invite you to learn more about the Association of Pauline Cooperators. Contact us for information about how you can get involved.

Testimonials

“The best Catholic bookstore with the best staff! The Daughters of St. Paul are some of the friendliest nuns you will ever meet. They even have an open to the public adoration chapel. It is a nice cool little retreat from the busy streets.”

Alyson K.

Google Review

“Such a welcoming place. Great to just pop in and browse a bit, let something call out to you, and be inspired.”

Andrea C.

Google Review

“Sunny, literally and figuratively. The nuns working the shop were so friendly and helpful. Great selection of books, plus lots of other sweet gifts.”

Aránzazu A.

Google Review

“Me encanta este lugar de paz. El personal es muy amable. Encuentro todo lo que necesito y me encanta la capilla que tienen. Hermoso lugar de paz y oración.”

Vivita R.

Google Review