Born Clement Schneiders on June 12, 1898 at The Hague Holland, he was the son of Bernard and Sophie Catherine de Man Schneiders. At the age of fourteen he came to the United States and settled in Detroit with his family.
He professed his vows on May 4, 1919 at Sacred Heart, Louisville, Kentucky. He was ordained a priest on February 27, 1927. From 1928 to 1944 he was a missionary to China. He then served as a chaplain for the Passionist Nuns in Erlanger, Kentucky. Then he was pastor at St. Mary’s Parish, Fairfield, Alabama for fifteen years. His last assignment was pastor at St. Ann’s Church, Morton, Texas.