DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to D.T.’s March 25 question regarding why weddings were held in the early morning, my experience in 1946 was that all Catholic weddings were held very early. Probably for the convenience of the clergy as there was a daily Mass anyway.

We were told that the hour would be 8 a.m. and what music could and could not be played. It would be a public affair with complete strangers receiving Communion and, most upsetting, that we could not have our favorite priest perform the ceremony (it had to be the pastor).

There was no consideration for the bridal couple and their families. As a convert, I was not at all happy about it, but was powerless to alter (pun not intended) the situation. Thankfully, things have changed. As to the receptions prior to the wedding, I have no answer. — B. P., Auburn

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In regard as to why weddings were often celebrated earlier in the day than they are today: If the people were Catholic that were required to fast from food (and water, too, I believe) from midnight until the reception of communion.

Today we only need to fast for one hour before we receive Communion. That may be the reason for that practice. — Rachel Cyr, Auburn, racyr@myfairpoint.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Concerning early morning weddings, in the 1930s and ’40s Catholics had to go without all food and drink to receive the Eucharist at Mass. That is why nuptial Masses were celebrated at early morning hours, mainly for health reasons for everyone who participated. Nowadays the communion fast has changed to one hour before Mass. — Gabrielle De Moras, Lewiston

ANSWER: Well, that seems to solve the early wedding issue. Now does anyone know why the receptions were held a week or two before the wedding?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In your April 4 response concerning sewing machine repairs you mentioned Cote Brothers for the Lewiston-Auburn area. Next time you have that request, I would like to be included. My company is Home Sewing Machine Tune-Up and Repair.

I service all makes and models and pick up and deliver machines within 15 miles of L-A at no extra charge. — Leo Landry, maineleo@hotmail.com, 754-7968

ANSWER: Sun Spots is sorry she missed you and the other repair services and will be sure to list you in the future. She is surprised at how many companies there are. Clearly plenty of people in Maine still sew!

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Please include our sewing machine repair service in your resource list. After operating the Sewing Network in Auburn for many years, we continue to service customers, old and new, with a drop-off and pickup service at a gift shop in downtown Auburn.

Although semi-retired we continue to be the only factory-trained and authorized Husqvarna Viking service in southern Maine. Thank you. — Jean Libbey, Affordable Sewing Machine Repair (aka Mainely Sewing Machines in Portland), 786-3343 or 782-5043, jlibbey1@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have 38 years’ experience repair sewing machines. Readers can find me at 27 Bennett St., Wilton, ME 04294.

Thank you for your column. It’s very helpful. — William Hatch Sr., home 645-3303, cell 779-6812

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.