At most Catholic Masses, the singer greets everyone and asks us all to rise and join in singing. Our priests generally go right into the Mass and save special greetings, like when the Phils won the World Series, for the beginning of the sermon.
I can remember a few times our preacher forgoing the sermon all together. The service was a singing. Just as much praise, spirits lifted, & The Lord glorified. Also in the summer time liked to occasionally use a local creek or lake for the Baptisms :>}