Archives

Growing in the Franciscan Way

13/05/2025

This course offers a deepening exploration of Franciscan spirituality through key themes and figures that shaped the Franciscan movement. Building on the foundations of St Francis’ life and teachings, participants will engage with the spiritual journeys of St Clare and the 2nd Order, the emergence of the 3rd Order, and the lived experience of Franciscan values in contemporary life. Special focus will be given to Francis’ relationship with the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, while also reflecting on how the Franciscan vision continues to inspire efforts toward justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. The course will highlight the relevance of the Franciscan charism as a model for renewal in the Church today.

  • This course is designed for Franciscan Collaborators and individuals interested to explore and deepen their knowledge in Franciscan Spirituality.

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

October 2025

Date and TimeSessionVenue
11th October 2025
9:30am – 12:30pm		Clare and the Monastic Life (the 2nd Order)St. Clare’s Monastery San Gwann
14th October 2025
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The 3rd Order and the Secular Franciscan OrderĊAK, Birkirkara
21th October 2025
6pm – 8pm		The Rules of St. Clare and the 3rd OrderĊAK, Birkirkara
28th October 2025
6pm – 8pm		The Inspiration of Saint Francis; a model for the ChurchĊAK, Birkirkara

November 2025

Date and TimeSessionVenue and Time
8th November 2025
9:30am – 12:30pm		Seminar
Convent of the Capuchins Kalkara
11th November 2025
6pm – 8pm		St Francis and the SickĊAK, Birkirkara
18th November 2025
6pm – 8pm		St Francis and the EucharistĊAK, Birkirkara
25th November 2025
6pm – 8pm		The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Saint FrancisĊAK, Birkirkara

December 2025

2nd December 2025
6pm – 8pm		Saint Francis and the Blessed Virgin MaryĊAK, Birkirkara
9th December 2025
6pm – 8pm		Important figures inspired by Saint FrancisĊAK, Birkirkara

January 2026

9th December 2025
9am – 12:30pm		Seminar

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Walking with the Bereaved

12/05/2025

This introductory course is designed for pastoral workers and lay people who assist the funeral arrangements and preparations within the parish together with individuals who offer support to mourning individuals. The course aims to equip participants with essential training and awareness to provide compassionate and emotionally sensitive support to grieving individuals.

  • This course is designed for pastoral workers who assist with funeral arrangements and preparations within the parish and other lay people who support mourning individuals.

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

DateSession
6th October 2025Understanding Grief and Bereavement
13th October 2025Types of Grief with Biblical Examples
20th October 2025The Role of the Pastoral Workers in Grief Support
27th October 2025Supporting Grieving Families and Communities
10th November 2025Walking with the Bereaved Beyond the Funeral
17th November 2025Long-Term Bereavement Care and Self-Care for Pastors

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an assignment.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

14/06/2025 – Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

07/04/2025
Safeguarding Others
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

  • Employees who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Employees who handle children and vulnerable adults` data
  • Volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Volunteers who handle children and vulnerable adults` data.
CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE/SCA4-23Blended Learning1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
  2. 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI’s Moodle Portal.

June 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person14th June 2025
from 9:00am to 12:00pm		Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material15th – 29th June 2025Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam15th June 202529th June 2025
Reflective Journal14th June 2025 14th July 2025

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be rewarded to students who have:

  • attended in-person session
  • watched all the recorded material
  • and did not submit any course assessments.
  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation* will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple choice test. (please check the calendar tab above for exam dates)

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement* is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

  • meet the attendance criteria
  • sit and pass the short multiple-choice online exam (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

*To obtain a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Participation, a student must; attend all the contact hours and successfully conclude the assessment/s.

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Knows how to access the internet and use a word processor.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Masterclass 4 – Technique of Choral Singing (for adult voices)

27/03/2025   Archbishop's Seminary

This masterclass offers basic and more advanced vocal technique required from a chorister involved in the field of sacred and liturgical music.  

Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

This course is intended for choristers and choir masters involved in the field of sacred and liturgical choral music. Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

This masterclass will be delivered by Prof. Catharina Scharp (AERCO Academy Bologna, freelance voice teacher) on 11th October 2025 as follows:

9:00am – 12:00pm – Session 1

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch Break*

1:30pm – 4:30pm – Session 2

*If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

All participants in this course will receive a certificate of attendance (AFF Level 3) issued by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Music Francesco Azopardi and AERCO Academy (Bologna).

If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

Masterclass 3 – Introduction to Sacred Polyphony

27/03/2025   Archbishop's Seminary

This masterclass offers an overview of the history of sacred polyphony, the development of mensural notation, imitation and independence of voices, the interpretation of texts, the role of polyphony within the Catholic liturgy, and the influence of the great masters of polyphony (such as Palestrina, de Victoria…) on church music, and interpretation of polyphonic music (involves the active participation of attendees).

Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

This course is intended for choristers, choir masters, and anyone who is interested in the sacred polyphony music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset for the practical session of the masterclass.

This masterclass will be delivered by Prof. Andrea Angelini (AERCO Academy Bologna, Professor of Choral Conducting at Venezia State Conservatory ‘Benedetto Marcello’) on 27th September 2025 as follows:

9:00am – 12:00pm – Session 1

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch Break*

1:30pm – 4:30pm – Session 2

*If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

All participants in this course will receive a certificate of attendance (AFF Level 3) issued by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Music Francesco Azopardi and AERCO Academy (Bologna).

If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

Masterclass 2 – Conducting for Maestri di Cappella

27/03/2025   Archbishop's Seminary

This masterclass shall offer a technical insight in the art of conducting, focusing on the technical aspects of conducting (orchestras, choirs, and soloists), rehearsal techniques, and achieving the best results particularly in the context of church music during Maltese festas. Participants will be working with a live orchestra on repertoire that is typical of local festa liturgical music.

Advanced musical knowledge (at least diploma level) is required. Please submit a copy of your highest musical qualification with your application form below.

This course is intended for conductors who are already involved or would like to be involved as Maestro di Cappella in local parishes.

Advanced musical knowledge (at least diploma level) is required. Please submit a copy of your highest musical qualification with your application form below.

This masterclass will be delivered by Prof. Juan Jose Navarro (University of Almeria) on 28th June 2025 as follows:

9:00am – 12:00pm – Session 1

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch Break*

1:30pm – 4:30pm – Session 2

*If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

All participants in this course will receive a certificate of attendance (AFF Level 3) issued by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Music Francesco Azopardi.

If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

Masterclass 1 – Introduction to Gregorian Chant

26/03/2025   Archbishop's Seminary

This masterclass offers an overview of the history and development of Gregorian Chant, an introduction to notation and the interpretation of neumes, the church modes, the different types of chants used in the Catholic liturgy (psalms, hymns, masses), and the role of Gregorian chant within the Catholic liturgy.

Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

Choristers, choir masters, and anyone who is interested in the ancient sacred artform of Gregorian Chant. Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

This masterclass will be delivered by Prof. Luca Buzzavi (AERCO Academy Bologna, Professor of Choral Conducting at Monopoli State Conservatory ‘N. Rota’) on 24th May 2025 as follows:

9:00am – 12:00pm – Session 1

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch Break*

1:30pm – 4:30pm – Session 2

*If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

All participants in this course will receive a certificate of attendance (AFF Level 3) issued by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Music Francesco Azopardi and AERCO Academy (Bologna).

If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – Santa Venera (MT)

24/03/2025   Santa Venera Parish
Safeguarding Others
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Santa Venera parishioners who work with children and vulnerable adults and handle their data.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE/SCA4-23Blended Learning1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
  2. 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI’s Moodle Portal.

May/June 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person31st May 2025
from 9:00am – 12:00pm		Santa Venera Parish
Recorded Material1st June – 15th June 2025Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam1st June 202515th June 2025
Reflective Journal1st June 20251st July 2025

This course has one exit certificate option: 

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who;

  • attend in-person session and watch all recorded videos
  • complete and pass short multiple-choice online exam
  • submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Knows how to access the internet and use a word processor.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – Pembroke (EN)

21/03/2025   Pembroke Parish
Safeguarding Others
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Pembroke parishioners who work with children and vulnerable adults and handle their data.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE/SCA4-23Blended Learning1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
  2. 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI’s Moodle Portal.

May/June 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person24th May 2025
from 9:00am – 12:00pm		Pembroke Parish
Recorded Material25th May – 8th June 2025Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam25th May 20258th June 2025
Reflective Journal25th May 202525th June 2025

This course has one exit certificate option: 

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who;

  • attend in-person session and watch all recorded videos
  • complete and pass short multiple-choice online exam
  • submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Knows how to access the internet and use a word processor.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Creative Ministry for Christian Outreach – Puppeteering, Storytelling, Scripting, and Science Experiments

21/03/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This interactive in-person course is designed to equip participants with creative tools to engage and inspire audiences through puppeteering, storytelling, scripting, and science experiments. Rooted in Christian principles, the course integrates hands-on learning to help participants effectively share biblical messages and Christian values in dynamic and memorable ways. Each lecture provides a practical and immersive experience that fosters creativity, communication skills, and spiritual growth.

 • Sunday school teachers / catechists.

 • Youth group leaders.

 • Christian educators and parents.

 • Anyone interested in creative ministry tools.

This course consists of four lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm till 8:00pm and a concluding seminar from 5:00pm till 8:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

DateSession
14th July 2025Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
16th July 2025Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
21st July 2025Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
23rd July 2025Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
17th September 2025Seminar

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours of this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully completed the presentation and submitted a brief summary of the main points covered.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be able to access the internet and use office suites.