Adoration Etiquette Question

[Danny_OC]

The church a block away from me has perpetual adoration, which is absolutely wonderful. But I’m afraid a few people have the habit of whispering their prayers aloud there, which is extremely distracting from my own prayers. Should I let it be, or is it proper to ask them to please pray silently?

A couple other ones as well:
Is it acceptable to read not directly prayerful literature at adoration, but still faith-themed thing, like a C.S. Lewis novel?

If there is only one other person in there (usually the case when I go at night), should I greet the person with a “hello” or avoid all speech?

and also… No offense, but I am hoping for an answer from a traditional rule abiding Catholic, not a new age one who hates all rules and rituals!

Thanks!

 

[His_little1]

Well, what would you do if you went to visit your very best friend (who desired your company)? Would you take a book to read? Would you give your full attention to the friend or would you grab the remote control and start channel surfing?

My first experience at adoration happened to be on Holy Thursday. I had always (fantasized sure) thought about how it would be to be in the garden while Jesus was praying, after the last supper, before they came to arrest Him. After all, the friends He took kept falling asleep. That’s support! It occurred to me at that moment that I was living that dream.

Share with your friend. Focus on Him.

If you see a fellow parishioner, a wave would be sufficient and if they desire more, they will speak. (I encounter this too. The lady, a regular, often says, “hello.”)

The person that prays out loud may not realize they are doing that. If it distracts you, perhaps moving to a different part of the room or finding another time would help. I personally wouldn’y say anything (especially if they are older) as that may make them inhibited.

Enjoy time with your friend.
Peace

 

[FrDavid96]

The church a block away from me has perpetual adoration, which is absolutely wonderful. But I’m afraid a few people have the habit of whispering their prayers aloud there, which is extremely distracting from my own prayers. Should I let it be, or is it proper to ask them to please pray silently?

A couple other ones as well:
Is it acceptable to read not directly prayerful literature at adoration, but still faith-themed thing, like a C.S. Lewis novel?

If there is only one other person in there (usually the case when I go at night), should I greet the person with a “hello” or avoid all speech?

and also… No offense, but I am hoping for an answer from a traditional rule abiding Catholic, not a new age one who hates all rules and rituals!

Thanks!

Danny,

1. It is certainly proper to ask them to please pray silently. Just keep in mind, of course, to do so politely and in all charity. (not that you wouldn’t, but I just feel the need to be clear). Charity also requires that we consider the fact that such persons may have a need to whisper when they pray. If possible, you should do the asking not-in-the-Presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
2. It is fine to read literature which is not “directly prayerful.” That’s a very subjective issue however. If you feel in your heart that reading a particular novel is bringing you closer to Christ, and it truly is doing so, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all. That’s a question you have to ask yourself.
3. We shouldn’t greet or speak to others when in the presence of the exposed Blessed Sacrament except in cases of true necessity. However, charity prevails. If you happen to make eye-contact, some friendly gesture like a smile and a nod of the head would be appropriate.

 

[Dirk_Skene]

Hi ya Danny. The whispering would drive me nuts I guess I’m lucky. Nobody where I go to Adoration does that. I will read or listen to a spiritual cassett tape - at VERY low volume -

 

[ElizabethPH]

Sometimes I pray the Hours at Adoration. I am used to praying them out loud but when at Adoration I will mouth the words. And sometimes I catch myself in a whisper. I know that can be distracting to others; so I will check myself. If you were to tell me I would not take offense at all.

I also read Divine Intimacy. As well as just sit and empty all thoughts and just be as silent as I can be. Sometimes I study the Bible and the Catechism.

We have a small chapel and are very close to one another. A person next to me was writing in a note-book, and I found that distracting. I just moved.

I will nod and smile to aknowledge someone, but not speak.

I don’t know that there is a rule as to what you can read. I knew a teen-ager that brought her homework. I say why not; she is there with Jesus that is what matters.

 

[Orogeny]

The church a block away from me has perpetual adoration, which is absolutely wonderful. But I’m afraid a few people have the habit of whispering their prayers aloud there, which is extremely distracting from my own prayers. Should I let it be, or is it proper to ask them to please pray silently?

One suggestion - ear plugs. No, really, I mean it. I would do that rather than ask another adorer to be quieter for me.

Peace

Tim

 

[Danny_OC]

Thanks for all the responses! Very helpful. I am actually using Tim’s suggestion now (earplugs)- works GREAT. Solves the problem for me, and perhaps its a bit less harsh on the other person than directly telling them to be quiet. I will also make sure to refrain from audible greetings, but still give a smile if I make eye contact with someone.

 

[edward_george]

Until our new adoration chapel on campus opened, we used to have a small chapel behind the monastery that was a converted storage room. My roommate and I would go very late at night, usually around 1-2 AM, and after spending a little bit in prayer, we would sit and engage in theological conversation. No one was in there, given the late hour, and we often found very fruitful discussion coming from our time in the presence of Our Lord. To engage in Theology can be a tremendously fruitful form of prayer, especially for those like me who are more inclined to intellectual pursuits.

-ACEGC