From Father Joe – Superior of Mepkin Abbey

As the Book of Ecclesiastes so aptly proclaims in 3: 1: “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every activity under the heavens.”

Time has come to make some appointment changes in our monastic leadership positions. 

After careful consideration and consultations, I announce today that Father Guerric Heckel will step down from director of the St. Francis Retreat Center on December 15, 2025.  

With immense gratitude for Fr. Guerric’s 13 years as director and the magnificent way he has developed and led this important endeavor of our community, we honor him and give him thanks.   

Until a permanent director is named, I (Fr. Joe) will take over as director of the Retreat Center.

Also, I announce today that in mid-January my time as superior of the community will come to an end. And a new superior will take over the leadership of the community.

I want to thank everyone for your constant and heartfelt support these past 7 years of my tenure as superior.  This ministry of leadership has been a privilege and a blessing for me.  What a gift to be the superior of a wonderful community of monks so dedicated to our Cistercian life of prayer and praise of God.  These years have been a great honor for me.

Thanks also to our dedicated employees, volunteers and benefactors who have so wonderfully supported our monastic life here at Mepkin Abbey.

To all our friends  and all who have been close to our Mepkin Community, I ask your continued prayers for each of us.