03.05.2026
Two New Curates Appointed to Serve in Dublin and Glendalough
The United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough will welcome two new Curates this summer. Esther Simpson has been appointed Curate Assistant to Rathmichael Parish. Cennis Chikeze has been appointed Curate Assistant to the Parish of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla. Both appointments were announced in their parishes this morning (Sunday May 3).
Having approved the nominations of the Curates, Archbishop Michael Jackson encouraged people to pray for them as they prepare for ordination.
“Across the United Dioceses we are delighted at the prospect of welcoming two curates assistant,” he said. “Esther and Cennis are coming to parishes which are in the process of developing their range of ministry and community involvement at home and abroad. We pray for them both as they prepare for their ordination and for the grace of God in their life and work.”
Esther is currently serving her intern year in St Mark’s, Dundela, Belfast, and will join the Rathmichael church family later in the summer.
Announcing the appointment the Rector of Rathmichael, the Revd Sean Hanily, told the congregation that “it has been a joy to get to know Esther in the journey of discernment with her in recent weeks. I have been truly amazed at how clear and strong her calling to Rathmichael is. I am very much looking forward to having her serve alongside us as we continue to grow and reach out to more people in our fast–growing area. This is a very exciting time for us all, and I know that Esther will be made feel as welcome and at home in Rathmichael as I have.”
Esther writes: “There are times when God surprises us. At the beginning of the year, as the curacy process began, I could not have foreseen where I might serve as curate. The process of visiting and discernment has been stretching and fulfilling. It is with excitement that I embark on this next season, serving in a new parish and new diocese. I look forward to both learning from and contributing to the parish life of Rathmichael.”
Cennis is currently serving his intern year in Navan in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare and will come to the Parish of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla in the summer.
Originally from Nigeria, Cennis held the role of Parish Reader in his home parish of Trim and Athboy in Meath Diocese. He is married to Kechi and they have four daughters Divine, Chiamaka, Michelle and Ashling.
Rector of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla, the Revd Colin McConaghie said: “I am looking forward welcoming Cennis to the parish following ordination in June and I am excited by the gifts Cennis will bring along with his warm and friendly personality”.
Speaking of his appointment Cennis said: “I am delighted to be joining the parish of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla as a Curate. Having completed part of my ministerial training in this parish during my first year of the MTh programme, I already have a sense of its warmth and welcome, which has drawn me back. I am particularly encouraged by the parish’s commitment to worship, fellowship, and outreach. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and learn in such a vibrant parish setting.”