Welcome Fr. Heater

Father Gilbert (Kagan) Heater, OSB, studied at Lancaster Bible College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music composition in 2009. He also studied at Liberty University. He received the Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophical Studies degree in 2021 and a a Master of Divinity, both sum ma cum laude, in 2025 from Saint Vincent Seminary.

A convert to Catholicism, he is the son of Richard W. and Diane O. Heater of East Stroudsburg. He has three brothers, Nathaniel, Jered and Zephan.

He entered the Benedictine monastic community of Saint Vincent Archabbey as a novice on July 1, 2017. He professed simple vows on July 10, 2018 and made solemn profession of monastic vows on July 11, 2021. He was ordained a deacon by Bishop Kulick on May 26, 2024. He served at Saint Vincent Basilica Parish during his deacon year.

His job assignments at the Archabbey include serving as socius of novices and postulants (2018-6/2025), sacristan (2018-2024) and assistant master of ceremonies (2018-present) for the monastic community. He served as assistant in the monastery vocation office (2021-2024) and in 2024 was named to the Archabbey Formation Committee.  He also served as an assistant organist.

At the presentation of the Right Reverend Martin R. Bartel, OSB, Archabbot of Saint Vincent Archabbey, the Reverend Gilbert Heater, OSB, was appointed Parochial Vicar of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish, Monaca/Aliquippa/Center/Hopewell beginning on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 for a period of one year, and will then return to St. Vincent Archabbey to begin graduate studies.