This is the response of those that are not Born Again Christians. Rather, it is the response of those that are caught in a system that indoctrinates it's members with the idea that you will work your way to salvation.
The fundamental divide between Born Again Christians and Roman Catholics is how God's Grace is obtained. Born Again Christians understand that Grace is a gift of God that is given to us because of our Faith Alone in Jesus Christ Alone. We understand everything was changed at the Cross.
Roman Catholics do not believe The Gospel. Rather they follow the Jewish religious model that was established prior to the Cross. They teach that there is a required sacramental system, which can only be administered by their designated priesthood. The sacrificial system they believe in, as with the Jewish religious model, only has a temporary effect and requires regular replacement.
The RCC has also mimicked the Jewish practices in how their priests are elevated and believed to be the only ones worthy of implementing the needed ongoing sacrifice. Also, they embrace the idea that the civil state is an extension of the religious order and as such should impose the penalties for sin.
Like most non Born Again people they don't fully understand the significance of the Cross. The sacrificial system is done. The perfect sacrifice has been made and because it's perfect it is sufficient. Also what they fail to see, because they are not Born Again, is after the Cross churches were established as independent bodies that were unified by faith not the imposed power of the state.