Or perhaps it simply means they understand their role.

"Cultic" means having to do with worship.  Priests lead and direct the worship of the people.  

"Sacred" means dedicated to a religious purpose.  Priests indeed are dedicated to a religious purpose in a way the laity are not.  The laity live and work in the world.  The calling of the priest is in and among the Church. 

I believe liberals tend to be a bit insecure with distinctions.  For whatever reason they feel threatened by them.