Preservationists filed suit in Worcester Superior Court on Monday in a bid to put the brakes on the demolition of historic Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. “The objective of this lawsuit is a stay of execution,” said Robert A. Scott, the attorney representing the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Preservation Society in a civil suit brought against Carol Gladstone, in her capacity as commissioner of the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester, and F&D Truck Co. Inc.

Mr. Scott said he is prepared to file a motion seeking to block demolition of the church before his clients have their day in court. The landmark Catholic church building on Mulberry Street, which for decades was at the heart of Worcester’s Italian community, was slated to be knocked down this week.