As I have said a bunch recently, not all are teachers. Some are not very good students. And the “theology” of the Mass is different from the thing itself. You don't need to know a lot of psychology for your marriage to be holy, loving, and happy. Likewise with the Mass.
For some time now the trend is to use the word "confects." A priest with the proper intention is something necessary (but not sufficient) to confect an assuredly valid Eucharist.
I suspect that one reason this word is being used is to get away from the idea that the priest "makes it happen."
So, with that preamble, I would answer your question with a yes, a lot of Catholics don't understand, and some that do can't express what they do understand -- as long as we understand that there are some basic expectation, for example that they affirm that it is a real encounter with the Lord, whether they “feel” it or not.
Why I have that every day Mad Dawg...that's why what we share with Him is a relationship.He's not off their in limbo somewhere where I have to request an encounter. He is by my side always and always avaiable to hear...a constant abiding presence. He it doesn't require a ritual of any sort for an "encounter" with Him...