Basking Ridge parishioners among Assumption College for Sisters 2024 honorees

In recognition of outstanding service to the Church and greater community, Assumption College for Sisters, Denville, plans to bestow honors upon Sister of Christian Charity Joseph Spring, Angelo Del Russo of Del-Sano Contracting Corp., and Kevin and Lisa Clayton, St. James Parish, Basking Ridge, at the Annual Caring Basket Gala, March 22, the Park Avenue Club, Florham Park. The Claytons will receive the Family Life Award.

Family and Catholic education have always been important foundations for Lisa and Kevin Clayton. The Claytons are the proud parents of three children: Jessica, Patrick, and Grace. Jessica and husband, Brian, have three daughters whom “Mimi” and “Pop” lovingly dote on: Georgia, Macailagh and Maeve.

Kevin and Lisa were married 36 years ago in St. Rose of Lima Church, Short Hills. Kevin is a proud graduate of St. Rose of Lima School and Lisa grew up as a parishioner of Notre Dame Church, Bethlehem, Pa. As long-time members in St. James Parish, the Claytons’ children are all graduates of St. James School where their daughter Jessica teaches, and granddaughters are students.

As a sign of their belief in Catholic education and love for their parish, the Claytons have provided scholarships for St. James School in addition to being lead benefactors for the renovation of the St. James rectory, convent, and school classrooms.

Kevin and Lisa dedicate their resources, time and energy to philanthropic organizations which exemplify their strong Catholic faith. They enthusiastically support the Salesian Sisters and the Newman Center at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. Further, they provide academic scholarships to Blair Academy, Blairstown, and Lehigh University.

Two years ago, the Claytons joined The Papal Foundation as Stewards of St. Peter. Since its inception in 1988, The Papal Foundation and its Stewards of St. Peter, have allocated grants and scholarships around the world to more than 2,000 projects suggested by Popes John Paul II, Benedict, and Francis for funding.

The Papal Foundation is the only charitable organization in the United States which is exclusively dedicated to fulfilling the requests of the popes for global needs of the Church.

Kevin serves on the Strategic Planning and Development Committees. Kevin and Lisa were blessed to take their family to Rome last year for The Papal Foundation’s pilgrimage which included an audience with Pope Francis.

Kevin and Lisa have been instrumental in bringing FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, an outreach program for American college students to Lehigh University.

Influenced by her annual childhood summers at Camp Auxilium, Newton, Lisa maintains a connection to the Salesian Sisters, sponsors of the camp. Her involvement includes the “adoption” of Sisters and providing financial support for children to attend Camp Auxilium. Salesians are currently enrolled at Assumption College for Sisters.

In addition, the Claytons recognize the needs of the Diocese of Metuchen and her Bishop in fulfilling its mission through leadership support of the Annual Appeal.

Excerpted from a recent Assumption College for Sisters press release.