Dear Ann:

Thanks for the clarification, but it doesn't really change. Prayers, songs, and readings are permitted during Exposition, but "should be arranged so as to direct the attention of the faithful to the worship of Christ the Lord. To encourage a prayerful spirit, there should be readings from the Scriptures with a homily or brief exhortations to develop a better understanding of the Eucharistic mystery" (Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass, number 95)

Chit-chat and conversation should not be done. Announcing prayer intentions should be one-liners (God know the details, to converse on the Intentions is not needed).

You can still come and go as you please. For example, if you do not wish to participate in the corporate prayers and readings, then come to the Adoration for one hour of quiet, then leave, and then come back for Benediction. If there is a Mass afterwards, it must be after Benediction as the Eucharist may not be exposed during Mass.

If the people are not allowing for a time of quiet, then ask the leader to be sure to allow for this. If he refuses, then ask the priest about it. There must be time for silent prayer. The Bible tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Sometimes we pray so much that God can't get a word in edgewise. There must be quiet time for personal prayer, and there must be time when we do not pray at all but remain still and allow God to talk to us.

Adoration is suppose to be a personal contemplative time, not a corporate prayer meeting. If they wish to have a prayer meeting, then hold it outside of Adoration.

I would be profoundly irritated by this situation you describe. When I go to Adoration I want one hour of silence, not jabber-jawing.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary