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 blended course is designed to form and support catechists who seek to deepen their understanding of the fundamental tenets of the Catholic Faith in preparation for their service towards their parish. By the end of the course, participants will be familiar with the core theological concepts that underpin catechetical ministry and will be equipped with essential practical skills for effective service in this ministry.
Catechists who teach children and adolescents.
Target Audience Age: 18+
Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry
This module provides a basic introduction to Christian theology. Participants will explore fundamental scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical theological concepts that guide the evangelising mission of the Church. By the end of the module, learners will be familiar with the sources of theology and will gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.
This module will be offered entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and on your own schedule, starting from July 17, 2024.
Module 2 – Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children
This module will enable participants to construct a holistic vision of catechetical ministry, one that responds to contemporary needs, through the exploration of various areas of knowledge and skills essential for the formation of catechetical ministers. These areas include the theoretical and practical aspects of basic catechetical principles, catechetical methodology including lesson planning, exploration of relevant social sciences, and addressing the needs of children with diverse social and/or psychological needs.
This module will be offered entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and on your own schedule, starting from July 17, 2024.
Module 3 – Catechetical Ministry for Children
This module will be offered in-person from February 2025.
Module 4 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
This module delves into the essential principles of safeguarding, focusing on creating safe environments for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. By the module’s conclusion, students will be well-versed in safeguarding policies, understand the core principles underlying safeguarding, and recognize various types of abuse along with their signs and symptoms. They will also learn how to handle disclosures of abuse, maintain professional boundaries, identify poor practices, and comprehend their legal obligations under the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019).
This module will be offered in-person from February 2025.
This course has two exit certificate options:
- Certificate of Participation
- attend all in-person seminars;
- pass short multiple-choice online exams, where applicable
2. Certificate of Achievement
To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students need to:
- attend all in-person seminars;
- pass the short multiple-choice online exams, where applicable
- and successfully complete a written assignment, where applicable
Final Awards: Introduction to Catechetical Ministry & Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Lifelong Catechesis, and Safeguarding Commission
Digital competences:
Applicants are required to have basic computer literacy, mainly how to access and use an internet browser and use a word processor
Language competences:
The student is required to have at least primary school level of Maltese and English.
Exemptions
Applicants who have an MQF/EQF level 4 (or higher) in Theology or Religious Studies, or have a General Education Award in Evangelisation, will be exempted from Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.
Applicants who have an Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults are exempt from Module 3 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.