Putting aside Peter's advice on private interpretation of Scripture:
Have a peek at the catechism for yourself. I think the understanding of "salvation through the Church" is that we understand Christ to be the head of the body and if we recognize the Catholic Church as that body and that city on a hill which cannot be hidden then we are allowed, by Christ, to be a part of that Church. However, Christ dispenses salvation as He sees fit, He makes the Father known to whom He chooses in any manner He chooses. The Church doesn't say you must be a member to be saved. She "just" says She is the Church Jesus founded.
Putting aside? scary...
Actually, salvation is only through the catholic Church, whether those who are saved understand it in this world or not.