If you don't have the Drake sword, get it. If you do, go kill the Bell Gargoyles and ring the bell so you can join a Covenant. I believe you can go back to the Asylum and kill the Stray demon as well.
Not totally sure where you are, but I'd exchange the Heater shield for the Tower Kite one or something like that. Its in the hallway-like place on your way to the church. The only thing you HAVE to do is ring the second bell at Quelaag's place. Then you can go to the Demon Ruins. There is a sweet set of armor and you have to face like, 4 Capra demons and 4 Taurus demons and stuff. Its fun.