By Guillermo Trevino
After almost six years of seminary, Kevin Anstey, 28, of St. Patrick Parish in Ottumwa, anticipates ordination in July as a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Davenport. The seminarian admits to some jitters, not unlike the jitters he felt before a big game while playing high school football. “I’m still terrified by the whole thing, this is a huge deal. I want to do well. I know it’s important and I want to do a good job for God, the Church and the people, so that’s why I’m still nervous” said Anstey, a third-year theology student at Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Ill.
Gail Bates, co-director of religious education and pastoral administrative assistant at St. Patrick’s, has known the seminarian since he was born. She said Anstey has been around the church forever, doing whatever he was asked to do. At the age of 3, he was in the back of the church with a red-handle broom. Bates is not surprised that Anstey wants to become a priest. “He’s a real joy to be around; he’s always curious, gentle, thoughtful and a good listener. He’s very thought-filled and a quiet, gentle man. He’d rather do things behind the scenes than up front,” Bates said.
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