"Not Catholic, Not Saved." Not True.

The Catechism states clearly that non-Catholics can get to Heaven:

Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience—those too may achieve eternal salvation. (CCC 847)

Does this mean there is no merit in being Catholic?  A Catholic once told me, “If we all get to heaven, I might as well be Protestant.  It’s easier!”

Actually, Catholics have it easier.  For example, Catholics have access to all the grace God makes available through all of the Sacraments. Non-Catholics don’t.

Furthermore, think of each individual being invited to live in an amazing luxury compound located deep in the heart of a massive, dense forest.  Everyone who manages to hike through the forest and arrive at the compound will be heartily welcomed.  Furthermore, maps are available describing how to get to the compound, including where there are vital rest stops along the route.  It is possible to reach the compound without having a map.  It is also possible to have a map, misread it - or ignore it altogether - and fail to reach the compound.

Catholicism is like that map.  One can achieve eternal salvation without being Catholic.  One can be Catholic and not achieve it.  And yet, being Catholic makes it much more likely that one will achieve it.