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Second Vatican Council: Renewal, Revelation, and Relevance

21/05/2025

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 course offers an engaging introduction to the Second Vatican Council, focusing on its historical context and transformative vision for the Church. Special attention is given to the four major constitutions and a thematic overview of the remaining documents. Participants will explore key teachings on revelation, liturgy, the Church, mission, and dialogue with the modern world—deepening their understanding of Vatican II’s call to renewal, evangelization, and active participation in the life of the Church.

This course is intended for adult Catholics, catechists, parish leaders, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Church’s teachings and mission. It is particularly beneficial for those engaged in pastoral ministry, as well as educators and students within Catholic institutions who wish to gain a solid foundation in the core documents of the Second Vatican Council and their continued relevance today.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will be delivered entirely through a series of pre-recorded lectures accessible on our VLE platform at a time and place convenient for you.

In these pre-recorded lectures, the following subjects will be covered:

  • Historical Overview & Purpose of Vatican II
  • Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation)
  • Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)
  • Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)
  • Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World)
  • The Church’s Mission and Life: Decrees on Ministry and Evangelization
  • Dialogue with the Modern World: Religious Freedom, Unity, and Culture

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when watching all pre-recorded lectures and pass from short online multiple-choice exams.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must watch all pre-recorded lectures, pass from short online multiple-choice exams and written 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.

Catechetical Ministry for Children – Seminars

21/05/2025

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 module serves as a valuable complement to Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry, offering participants a deeper exploration of four key themes, enriched with practical insights:

  • Understanding those whom we accompany
  • The digital era and catechesis: practical aspects
  • Sacred Scriptures
  • The moral and social teaching of the Church

While these themes are typically approached from a theoretical perspective in Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry, this module aims to bring them to life through practical application. Each theme is explored in dedicated seminars, where participants engage in discussions led by expert speakers. These sessions are designed not only to deepen understanding but also to equip catechists with effective methods for communicating these teachings to their learners.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed the confidence and independence to form a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the various dimensions that shape the identity of a catechetical minister within the Church.

  • Individuals who are either currently involved in or aspiring to be involved in catechetical ministry within the Church.
  • Individuals who are interested in deepening their understanding of catechesis and its practical application.
Target Audience Age: 18+

This course consists of four lectures once a month from January – May 2026 at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

DateSession
31st January 2026L-Għarfien tal-persuni li se nakkumpanjaw
Understanding those whom we accompany
28th February 2026L-Era Diġitali u l-Katekeżi: Aspetti Prattiċi
The Digital Era and Catechesis: Practical Aspects
25th April 2026Il-Kotba Mqaddsa
The Sacred Scriptures
23rd May 2026It-Tagħlim Morali u Soċjali tal-Knisja
The Moral and Social Teaching of the Church

This course has one exit certificate option: 

  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.

Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Lifelong Catechesis

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

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

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

20/05/2025

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 course offers a rich thematic and theological introduction to the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing its unique portrayal of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the New Moses, and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Participants will explore key events in Jesus’ life—His birth, teachings, miracles, and passion—while gaining insight into Matthew’s structure and message. Designed for pastoral ministers seeking deeper formation as the Church begins a new liturgical cycle centred on Matthew’s Gospel.

Pastoral workers especially those involved in the Ministry of the Word and all others interested in the subject.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
12th November 2025Introduction and the Magi Narrative
19th Novemeber 2025 The Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount
26th November 2025The Miracles in Matthew
3rd December 2025The Passion and Easter Nattative in Matthew

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 written 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.

Praying With Icons

23/05/2024

This course offers students an exploration of Christian iconography, focusing on its origins, development, and significance, particularly within the Eastern Churches. Through a detailed study of historical contexts and theological foundations, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the struggles and growth that shaped Christian iconography.

Participants will learn the process and purpose behind the creation and use of icons, discovering how these sacred images serve as profound spiritual tools. By integrating this knowledge, students will be equipped to incorporate Christian iconography into their personal and communal faith journeys, enhancing their spiritual lives and deepening their appreciation for this rich tradition.

Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of iconography.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom for sessions 1, 3 & 4. Session 2* will be offered only in-person, at Villa San Filep, Ħaż-Żebbuġ.

DateSession
30th September 2024Introduction and the History of Icons
7th October 2024*The Writing of Icons
14th October 2024Reading Icons 1
21st October 2024Reading Icons 2

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificates 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 after passing a short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course, as well as after passing a short multiple-choice exam and written 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.