Sacred Heart of Jesus presented a beautiful display booth at the Buffalo Wedding Expo on January 3, 2026. Fr. John Stanton accompanied Debra Lesinski, Revive Ministry Coordinator, Christina Egleston, Together in Christ Catholic Education Director, and Revive volunteers: Lidia Zeolla, and Diana Harfouche. They enthusiastically encouraged Catholic couples to to seek a sacramental Catholic wedding and promoted our ability to celebrate outdoor sacramental Catholic weddings at our Sacred Heart of Jesus Diocesan Shrine.
It was a huge success! Dozens of very interested couples expressed interest in holding their weddings at Sacred Heart's outdoor shrine! Many couples were excited to chat with Fr. John Stanton and our team about the Catholic faith!
Sadly, many Catholic couples forgo a sacramental wedding, settling for marriage outside of the Church due to venue preference. The altar in the outdoor shrine at Sacred Heart of Jesus has been consecrated which allows outdoor Masses to be celebrated there and the natural surroundings coupled with the magnificent hand-hewn stone shrine are a provide beauty and awe as the backdrop for an outdoor sacramental Catholic wedding.
Sacred Heart Heart of Jesus Diocesan Shrine is located on the campus of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish at 5337 Genesee Street in Bowmansville (Lancaster), NY; two miles from the airport and just off the NYS Thruway.
Additional photos from the Wedding Expo and weddings that have taken place at the shrine can be found on Sacred Heart's website. A marriage registration form must be completed to begin the process of planning a wedding at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and Diocesan Shrine which is a member of the Together in Christ Catholic Family.