MEET PARISHIONER SHERI SCHNEIDER: Maintaining a Grateful Heart in Difficult Times

Many parishioners can reflect on the pandemic lockdowns that went into effect in 2020 and remember that it was the only extended time away from the Mass they’ve endured.

For St. Andrew parishioner Sheri Schneider, a personal lockdown has kept her away even longer. Unable to attend public Masses due to a breast cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatments, she realizes more than ever what a blessing it is to receive the Eucharist.

“My husband, Richard, and I are able to go to the church to quietly pray, and Father makes sure I receive the Eucharist,” Sheri says. “I may not be able to participate in the Mass with everyone, but I continue to watch Mass on TV, and that’s wonderful.”

At the end of last summer, Sheri was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a form of breast cancer that has a high risk of return within two years of diagnosis. Last fall, after consulting with her doctors and after prayerful discussions with Fr. Paul, Sheri decided to undergo a double mastectomy. Due to her weakened immune system, she has been forced to pursue alternative ways to participate in her faith life and the St. Andrew community.

Sheri’s diagnosis did not come entirely by surprise due to a family history of breast cancer. She recalls her doctor, a family friend, feeling nervous to tell her the news. In some ways, she felt she already knew.

“You have to rely on God and trust what He has planned for you,” Sheri says. “Many people may ask, ‘Why me?’ with something like this. I said, ‘Why not me?”

Committed to still participating in parish life to the best of her ability, Sheri supported the fall fundraiser by working at home on designing promotional signs to be displayed outside the church. She also has been able to spend more time quilting, and last Christmas, she crafted special quilts for her three children and their families.

Prayer has also become a focal point for Sheri and Richard. Each night, they set aside time for a litany of prayers, which Sheri says provides her a true sense of peace.

Looking back on the support she received around her diagnosis, surgery, and treatment, Sheri says she is incredibly thankful for the prayers and sense of community St. Andrew parishioners have shared.

St. Andrew’s Council of Catholic Women and other members of the parish community have reached out to Sheri to assure her of their continued prayers.

“I have been having so many people reaching out telling me that they are praying for me and saying Rosaries for me,” she says. “Many of these people, I don’t even know. I think it’s God’s way of sending angels telling me that things are going to be OK.”

For Sheri, this has especially brought comfort and hope during the most difficult times.

“The hardest part of this journey is not knowing how long you are going to be on earth,” Sheri says. “I had all the difficult talks with my family, with Fr. Paul, and I have a different perspective on life now than I had previously.”

Sheri Schneider with her grandchildren

Sheri Schneider with her husband, Richard

Sheri Schneider and family celebrating her youngest daughter’s wedding