DEAR SUN SPOTS: When I lived near Carmel, Calif., there was a Carmelite Monastery where the cloistered nuns sang behind a shield one day a week. I took my husband there one day to hear them. I am wondering if there is a place in Maine where the nuns sing and one can go to hear them. Does anyone know? — Ellie Leight, Poland

ANSWER: Sun Spots began her research by emailing Dave Guthro, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese in Portland. He suggested that she try the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford Pool, where guests are welcomed at daily Eucharist and morning and evening prayer. 

He provided their email, and Sun Spots received additional information from Linda Hussey for Sr. Sue Bourret, the center’s director.

“Thank you for your inquiry about singing nuns. The person with the request mentioned cloistered Carmelite nuns singing behind the screen. They may be singing as in choir, especially if they are numerous, or chanting Lauds and Vespers (morning and evening prayer).

“Here, the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary are not cloistered. Rather, they own and operate a retreat center for religious and lay persons, church groups, etc. They are few in number at this facility and do not have a choir. They do, however chant Lauds and Vespers daily and sing at daily Mass. The public is welcomed. Normally, the schedule is as follows:

7:30 a.m. Lauds

8:00 a.m. Mass

5:05 p.m. Vespers

“Occasionally, the schedule changes to meet the needs of the center. Therefore, it is best to call first before coming to be sure of the time.

“For more information on Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, please visit our website, www.mariejosephspiritual.org or call us at 207-284-5671 to request a brochure or tour.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: When the two Methodist churches in Rumford combined, there were too many hymnals. There are 97 copies of “The Methodist Hymnal” Copyright 1935 available for any church or organization that can use them. To make arrangements for pickup, please contact me. — Judy Kuhn, trustees chairwoman, 207-364-7242, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Calvary United Methodist Church at 59 Sabattus St. in Lewiston will be holding its annual spring rummage sale from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, April 25, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26.

We would like to donate any remaining items to any organization that would be able to pick them up between 11 a.m. and noon that Saturday after our sale. If interested, please call 783-9784.

We are anticipating a good assortment of clothing and household items and fun catching up with friends and neighbors. — Penny Goodwin, Calvary United Methodist Women

DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are having a meeting of the Guardian Neighborhood Community Watch Organization for the city of Auburn at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Auburn Boys and Girls Club.

This will be our first meeting, and we are looking for concerned citizens of our community to take a stand and help us make this town a better and safer place to live in, to help one another and bring back our heritage.

If you are interested in joining us, we need help on a committee or just show up to hear our guest speaker, Auburn police Lt. Anthony Harrington.

We are small now, but we have big hearts and want to see this group grow into something great and bigger for the people by the people. I hope to see you there! — Bonnie Rousseau, [email protected]

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 emailed to [email protected].