As we mark National Vocations Awareness Week (3–10 August), Fr Galbert Albino shares what draws him to his ministry as Vocations Director in the Diocese or Parramatta, and Parish Administrator at Holy Cross Parish Granville.
Ordained to the priesthood in 2018, Fr Galbert is known for his warm presence and pastoral care, particularly among the diverse communities of Western Sydney. He is committed to supporting parish life through sacramental ministry, community outreach, and accompanying parishioners in their faith journey. Fr Galbert is one of several younger priests bringing fresh energy to the mission of the Church in the Diocese.
Seminarian Macky with Diocesan Director of Priestly Vocations, Fr Galbert Albino at the FaithFEED event at St Michael’s Church Baulkham Hills. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Catholic Outlook: What are the particular opportunities and challenges for promoting vocations in a young and multicultural diocese like Parramatta?
In a diverse diocese like Parramatta, there are great opportunities to embark the promotion of vocation to the young ones as most of them got involved in the youth activities in their own parishes.
The LIFTED program is one way of reaching out to the youth helping to connect each other from various parishes which also in a way a good venue to promote vocation.
However, one of the challenges for promoting vocation specifically to the priesthood is the lack of encouragement and support in discerning their vocation. Sometimes, it comes from a family or peers and even a lack of support from their own parish priest.
Another aspect that contributes to the challenge is the prevalent worldly noise like the social media – the demands from work or school are so enormous that silence is no longer appreciated.
If young ones would spend time in silent prayer, I believe, they would hear God’s call for them.
Catholic Outlook: How does culture and family background shape how young people in our Diocese discern their vocation?
Parents coming from different cultural backgrounds usually have tremendous effects on shaping their children’s beliefs and values.
Parents who regularly practise their faith at home and at their local parish community with their children – especially the young ones – are more likely to recognise and respond to their own vocation.
In a sense, parents should be able to guide their children through the process of discernment by the example of their own lives.
Fr Galbert Albino during his ordination to the priesthood. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Catholic Outlook: What gives you hope when you walk with people discerning a call to the priesthood today?
That God is still at work. That despite our own frailty, He still continues to provide us with men who are ready to answer His call to nourish the people with the sacraments that Jesus Christ had initiated.
Catholic Outlook: How can the Church better accompany people – including those from diverse backgrounds – as they listen for God’s call?
By listening to people’s own stories. People who feel they have a call to the priesthood has a story of their own to tell.
God calls them in ways that sometimes mysterious.
And if they are accompanied with the right people in the church, I believe, they will have the clarity of what their true call is.
Catholic Outlook: What are some of the key questions you get, and how do you respond to them?
A key question I get is: ‘Why did you become a priest?’.
And my answer is simple: I love God, who also loved us first.
Deacons Galbert Albino, Jack Green, Chris del Rosario and Jessie Balorio during their ordination to the priesthood. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
Another question is, ‘Do you feel lonely?’
And I would say that while I, like anyone, sometimes feel alone, I am not lonely – because my faith assures me that Christ is always with me.
Catholic Outlook: What role do parishes, schools and other agencies play in creating a culture of vocation?
With regards to schools and our agencies and ministries, I believe it is beneficial when schools create a prayer space for their students and even at any agencies.
Schools with chapels or even just a prayer room can provide a sanctuary for students who felt that they have a special call from God. Much more, it can help also to nourish their faith.
In the parish context, it is ideal when parishes have a Holy Hour for vocation – even at least once a month – to encourage parishioners – especially young ones – to pray for their vocation.
In short, the prayer of the Christian community is vital in inspiring young people to discern God’s call.
As Jesus said, “to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into his harvest.” (Mt. 9:38).
Fr Galbert Albino. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Catholic Outlook: Can you share a moment that confirmed your own vocation – or your call to help others find theirs?
When I was in high school, during the break, I usually spent at least 10 minutes in front of the Tabernacle in silence. And this is where I found my initial call.
Attending mass in the afternoon, almost every day on my way home from school, also contributed to my desire to join the priesthood.
Also, reading the scriptures – they inspired me to know more Jesus and motivated me to be his priest.
Catholic Outlook: What is your prayer for the future of vocations in the Diocese of Parramatta?
I pray that young men and women will not be afraid to answer God’s call for them.
I also pray that vocation to the priesthood will also flourish in the future. If there are no priests, there will be no Eucharist or even the Sacraments, and if there is no Eucharist or the Sacraments, people will be more hardly know Christ.
This National Vocations Awareness Week (3-10 August 2025), may stories like these inspire us to listen more deeply to God’s call, wherever it may lead. Fr Galbert’s call to serve aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Formation and Mission.
You can read more about Fr Galbert here.
To learn more about responding to God’s call, visit Discern My Vocation, or contact Fr Galbert about discerning whether to Join the Priesthood today.
