Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 159.  Wed 10-16-91 18:08  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Kathryn Burke
 Subject: The True Faith

³ what is the true fai? Can non Roman Catholics be apart of the faithful?
³  
 
Dear Kathryn,
 
The 2nd Vatican Council teaches this: "The one Mediator Christ
established and ever sustains here on earth His holy Church, the
community of faith, hope, and charity as a visible organization through
which He communicates truth and grace to all men.  The society
structured with hierarchical organs and the mystical body of Christ
(1Cor. 12:12, 27; Col. 1:18), the visible society and the spiritual
community . . . . form one complex reality which comes together from a
human and a divine element . . . . This is the sole Church of Christ,
which in the Creed we profess to be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic
. . . . This Church, constituted and organized as a society in the
present world, subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by
the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him."
 
"Nevertheless many elements of sanctification and of truth are found
outside its visible confines.  Since these are gifts belonging to the
Church of Christ, they are forces impelling towards Catholic unity."
(Lumen Gentium, # 8).
 
I hope this answers your question.  If not, please come again.
 
                        Sincerely in Christ,
 
                        Father Mateo