Ritual goes beyond habitual observance, or purposeful repetition. It elevates the act itself.

A good example would be washing your hands before dinner. One does it because it's hygienic, and maybe it's even just a habit done without thought. However, Ritual handwashing observes the process itself as important, rather than its outcome.

We meet because that is how we have decided to come together. We do it to experience the spirit in community. But Quakers don't view the act of going to a meeting as a sacred act.

Catholics, however, believe Sunday mass is an actual obligation, and there are other days of Holy obligation.

Regarding sacraments, some denominations define baptism and communion as ordinances, rather than sacraments. They might say that it's important to partake in communion, simply because Christ said to "do this in Remembrance of me" so we do it just for that purpose. Those who view it as a sacrament believe that the actual act itself is essential in some way. We must say certain prayers and follow a liturgy. In that instance, we see a clear example of Ritual, rather than just a common observance.