What do Catholics do during adoration?

Father, my non-Catholic friend is asking to join me when I go to Eucharistic adoration. Is that allowed? How can I describe what we Catholics do during adoration?
 
That’s a great question. We live in a world in deep need of silence and genuine communication with God and we Catholics have rediscovered a most powerful solution to this need in adoration of the True Presence of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist. Perhaps your friend is looking for some silence and deep prayer.
 
Since reception of Holy Communion is reserved only to Catholics who are spiritually prepared, at first sight, it might seem that non-Cathlics might be unable to come to adoration, but this is simply not true. In fact, even if they are not in full communion with the Church yet, they are not only “allowed” but even deeply encouraged to spend time in Eucharistic adoration. Your friend is free to join you there in the church.
 
Now, regarding the second part of your question, helping your friend experience the profound fruits of silence in the presence of Jesus might be a bit of a challenge, so here are five powerful practices to use in the presence of the Holy Eucharist.
 
One, be amazed! Be amazed that you're in the presence of God. Don't let your sight deceive you, God is right there! Have you ever stood in the presence of a massive mountain like Mount McKinley? Its sheer size is mesmerizing! Most of the day it is hidden behind the clouds. Occasionally, it reveals itself. But it is not as if the mountain isn't there when the clouds are covering it. It is there in all its grandeur and power, amazing and beautiful even when it is hidden. The same is true about Jesus in the Eucharist. The same God who created all the mountains, the Earth and sun and the whole universe, is right there truly present hidden in what seems to be only a piece of bread. Be amazed!
 
Two, pray to God. Have a chat with God himself. Recently, millions across the world have been captivated by our ability to carry on conversations with AI (artificial intelligence) computers. Despite their obvious limitations, these machines can easily surprise us by their capacity to respond to our inquiries. But what if you were able to talk not just to an intelligent machine, but to God Himself? Did you ever imagine what you might say to God? Eucharistic adoration offers the opportunity for a profound “hidden” conversation with God. 
 
Three, be enlightened. The Apostle St. John tells us that “God is light” and that in heaven there is no sun or moon because the Lamb of God is the Light of the City of God. Whenever Jesus’ True Presence in the Eucharist is exposed, there are always to be four candles burning to open our eyes to the Light of God invisible to us. When we sit in the presence of God, we are profoundly enlightened spiritually even though we may not be aware of it. If natural sunlight is essential to the health of the body, even more profoundly necessary, by far, is the glorious rays of light emanating from the sacred Host for the soul. There in His presence, your soul will see God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God. Be enlightened!
 
Four, be healed. Everyone in the world experiences brokenness, hurt, pain and wounds. The Scriptures tell us that many came to Jesus for healing, and as many as came to him were healed. We call Jesus the Divine Physician. Where are your wounds? Just as a good doctor brings great consolation and cures, so too Jesus comes to us in silence during Eucharistic adoration and heals our wounds. His wounds are there in the Eucharistic Host, and by His wounds, we are healed. Bring your wounds and be healed!
 
Five, rest in Jesus. When we come to adoration, it isn’t necessary that we have a bunch of activities we need to accomplish. In fact, we find it a powerful spiritual advantage to, in a certain sense, “waste time” with Jesus rather than fill it up with frivolous activities. Remember what Jesus said to St. Martha, “Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.” Jesus acknowledged the value of Mary resting silently at His feet over Martha’s busy work. So, in adoration, we come to rest in Christ. We hear Him telling us, “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will give you rest.” 
 
At Christmas, the Wise Men found Jesus in the arms of Mary, His Mother, and they adored Him. With amazement and prayer, desiring light, healing and rest, let all who are wise come and adore Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Ave Maria!