Having a "personal relationship" with God

[TJ in Oregon]

I would dispute the idea that Catholics don't believe in having a personal relationship with God or believe such a relationship only exists through sacraments and not also through prayer. It's not an either/or it's a both/and. One can simultaneously believe in the universal Church established by Christ and keep it in sight while still praying on his own often. You can pray by yourself sometimes and in a Church with the collective reach of his followers as well.

There also isn't a dichotomy between personal piety and the greater social ends of the Church. It is indeed possible to stress prayer, morality, and personal piety while serving others. Indeed the social ends of the Church are often met simultaneously with prayer. Praying doesn't necessitate walling ones' self off from society at all. It does sometimes mean a little quiet time and reflection. but even if you spent 2 hours a day in mental prayer (which is certainly more than almost anyone does), you still have 22 more hours where you aren't in mental prayer.

Indeed, I imagine spending a bunch of time in mental prayer and quiet reflection ought to show a person the value of practicing their faith in public and working toward the greater social ends of the Church.