Eddie Schneider
(May, 2009, Parish Fair) Eddie Schneider lives up to his nickname “Simon of Cyrene” and helps out at the fair in any and every way he can from organizing and implementing to making announcements on stage. Eddie has attended several retreats at Manresa and is a dynamic addition to many of our monthly meetings.
We begin by thanking God for al the gifts He has given us -such a wonderful parish, and such a successful 2009 parish fair. We thank our priests, the entire parish staff, and all the organizers of this year’s fair. We thank all those who prepared for the fair, who volunteered to work at the fair, and who came out to enjoy the food, fun and fellowship.
And on these pages of our own monthly newsletter, we present just a few of the many Men of Manresa who were among those thousands of parishioners and friends who prompt us to also close with all thanks and glory to God.
>Eddie Schneider
The Lamb, February 2002
Of all the roles in the annual Passion Play, none are more appropriate for Eddie Schneider than the one he convincingly played the past several years - Simon of Cyrene. Just like Simon, and every other true disciple, Eddie helps Jesus carry His cross every day.
If you don't know Eddie, you should. Even if you don't know him by name, you have probably seen him many times around the parish and recognize his cheerful disposition, his infectious smile, his concerned attitued, and his helpful ways. Or you may recall one of his many performances in the annual parish Family Playhouse, either in a lovingly talented dance routine with daughter Alyssa, assisting daughter Shelby in her Tae-Kwon-Do routine, or in a comically self-effacing ballet with our own Men of Manresa, complete with a bright red tu-tu. Before I ever met Eddie, I had already heard about him when I attended my very first Men of Manresa meeting. Someone mentioned that for several years, Eddie had used vacation time from his job so that he could help organize and construct the parish fair. Once the fair begins, you see Eddie hustling from booth to booth, doing whatever it takes to make the fair more successful. In fact, no matter what ministry or what occasion, Eddie is ever-ready to help out with parish functions - organizing, setting up, cooking, and cleaning up. He is also active in the RCIA and several other ministries which directly serve the spiritual needs of the parish. A long-time Man of Manresa, Eddie joins other men of the parish to make a spiritual retreat once a year at Manresa. The Men of Manresa admire his humility, his great sense of humor, and the many exemplary ways in which he answers his spiritual calling. We also admire his selfless concern and caring for others. He is a truly compassionate friend. On the lighter side, At least one Men of Manresa members teases Eddie that his voice is the lip-synched voice of Randy Jackson from the rock band Zebra. A huge Saints fan, rumor has it that Eddie is also a consultant to Jim Haslett. A devoted father, a loving husband, and an all-around family man, his father-in-law Harold Chiasson says "Eddie is my favorite (only) son-in-law." He is a great son, always finding time to help his mother, Mary Schneider, with all her needs. Eddie and his dear wife Sybil were recognized last year by the Archdiocese of New Orleans with the St. Louis Medallion, as outstanding parishioners from St. Charles Borromeo Parish. Eddie is a prime example of what it is to be an SCB Man of Manresa, helping Christ carry His cross every day. Eddie, Sybil, Alyssa and Shelby - and their extended family - are dearly loved by the entire parish, and are always in our prayers. May the peace of Christ be with you always!
Clarion Herald - June 8, 2000, "Parish Potpourri" - St. Charles Borromeo (St. Louis Medallion)