What is different about CATHOLIC Worship?

If you go to some Non-Catholic churches they make look similar to a Catholic Mass.  If you go to other non-Catholic services it will look nothing like a Catholic Mass, but will include a sermon, and worship/praise music.  Normally, when we ask the 'What is different questions' we are talking about what the service looks like.   However, I would like to go even deeper:  What is the GOAL of the service.

If you go to a non-Catholic service, whether it is very liturgical or very loose, it has very similar goals.  The goal is to move the heart of the congregation to help them grow in faith.   The Music is to move the congregation.  The celebration of the Lord's supper or table fellowship is done to move people towards faith.  The goal of worship God is to help the individual grow in faith for their personal relationship with God.  This means that if there is NO congregation then they would NOT do the service.  The service only effects the congregation.  It also means that the congregation must be able to hear and see every part.

However, the goal of Mass is different.   Oviously the reading of scripture and the homily is to move people in faith, however, we are being moved in faith so that we can participate in the Eucharist.  The main goal of the Eucharist is NOT focused on the people.  In fact, for the first 2000 years(up until 50 years ago) the Eucharistic prayer was said silently, and in the Byzantine tradition the priest would go behind an icon screen for the Eucharistic prayer.   So what is happening in Catholic worship during this time?

The bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ.  Then we participate in the One perpetual offering of the Son to the Father for the Forgiveness of sins.   We are participating in the REDEMPTIVE Act of God.  This is an objective Reality of the internal working of God being made available in the world.   The main act of the congregation is to raise their hearts and mind to God offering themselves in  spiritual sacrifice along with Christ.   Since Mass is participation in the Objective work of God, then it even happens without a congregation.  The goals of Mass happen even if the congregation does NOT hear the prayers being said.   Worship is focused on God and the objective works of God.   Then the congregation participates again when God gives himself to his bride in the Eucharist.  The worship becomes ONE with Christ as they receive communion.

It is good to have uplifting music.  It is good to have a well prepared, meaningful sermon.  But it is redemptive, and bring salvation, to participate in the saving act of God that happens at the Mass.   This is the big difference in worship.   Comments welcome.

peace