Rockport Knights of Columbus name 2024 Family of the Year

Special to The Message

The Knights of Columbus have many initiatives to help the parish and the community through service programs and food drives. The K of C also has award programs that recognize outstanding members of the parish and community. One of those programs is Family of the Year, which recognizes a family that models strong Christian values and visibly lives them every day. This year, the Rockport Knights of Columbus Council 11165 named Paul and Melissa Cameron the Family of the Year.

“This is a very special award through the Knights of Columbus that is not always given out,” according to the Knights. 

Shown in the photo with 2024 Family of the Year recipients Melissa and Paul Cameron are members of Rockport Knights of Columbus Council 11165. Pictured are Sam Evrard, first row left, Rich Broeker, Melissa and Paul Cameron, John Henderson, Jr., Jerry Wink, Richard Kempa, second row left, Eric Sermersheim, Tom Campbell, pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Rockport Father Ron Kreilein, Jarrod Kreisle, Don Payne, Dale Payne, Deacon Mike Waninger, third row left, Steven Head, Bill Spaetti and Christopher Campbell. Submitted photo

The Knights said Paul and Melissa Cameron not only met the requirements but have shown a commitment to their Catholic faith during times of hardship.

“Paul and Melissa have been active members of the council and (St. Bernard) parish for many years. However, two years ago, Paul was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of helping as much with the council and the church as they used to, they now spend their time traveling to Indianapolis for appointments and treatments. For some, this would be an excuse to skip Mass every now and then, not help with council activities because of fatigue, or abandon their faith altogether because of their anger; but not for Paul and Melissa. They have been a model example of what it means to be a strong Christian Family, even against terrible adversity.”

Congratulations, Paul and Melissa!