Archives

Introduction to Digital Culture for DSHJ

14/11/2025   DSH Convent, Ħamrun

This short course introduces participants to the key ideas, practices, and impacts of digital culture in contemporary life. Through theory and hands-on exploration, learners will examine how digital platforms shape communication, identity, creativity, and societal change. The course provides practical engagement with major digital tools and spaces, helping participants navigate, evaluate, and participate more thoughtfully in today’s digital world.

Daughters of the Sacred Heart novices.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Monday 1st December from 09:00am till 02:00pm at the DSHJ Convent, Ħamrun.

This course has three exit certificate options:

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must 80% of course contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend 80% of course contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam. 

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend 80% of course contact hours;  
  • successfully pass the short-multiple choice question and complete a written assignment.

Language: Participants must have a primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Participants must know how to access the internet and use office suites.

The Ministry of the Word for Children – Iklin Parish

04/06/2025   Iklin Parish Centre

This half-day course is tailored for young lectors between the age of 8 and 16, offering an engaging and age-appropriate introduction to their role within the Church. Participants will explore the fundamentals of Scripture and liturgy, while also developing the practical skills needed to proclaim the Word of God with confidence during Mass and other liturgical celebrations.

The sessions are designed to be interactive and formative, nurturing both faith and a sense of responsibility in young participants.

Children between the age of 8 and 16 involved in the Ministry of the Word at Iklin Parish

The course will be delivered through a single in-person seminar, as detailed below.

DateSessionVenue
Tuesday 1st July 2025 from 1:30pm – 6:00pmHalf-day seminarIklin Parish Centre

This course has one exit certificate option:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending in-person seminar.

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

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

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

02/06/2025

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.

Parishioners from Iklin involved in ministry with children.

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 2025
from 6:00pm to 8:00pm		Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
16th July 2025
from 6:00pm to 8:00pm		Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
21st July 2025
from 6:00pm to 8:00pm		Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
23rd July 2025
from 6:00pm to 8:00pm		Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
17th September 2025
from 5:00pm till 8:00pm		Seminar

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.

King David: Hero or Villain?

14/05/2025

The course aims to provide participants with a better understanding of the figure of King David in the Bible. Various aspects relating to Kind David will be considered, shedding light both on aspects for which he may be considered a hero, and also on those for which he may be considered a villain. This is a study whereby one is called to reflect on the different facets, both positive and negative, that may be present in the same character. Among these are the ambitious nature, the traitor, being a sinner, the father figure, and also his saintly aspects.

This course is suitable for pastoral workers helping in the Ministry of the Word. It is also ideal for people who would like to delve deeper in knowledge about King David and all Christians who would like to continue to invest in their relationship with God.

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

28th January 2026David the Ambitious
4th February 2026David the Traitor
11th February 2026David the Sinner
18th February 2026David the Father
25th February 2026David the Saint

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.

Ignatian Rules of Spiritual Discernment

14/05/2025

“Discernment” has become a buzzword in contemporary Church circles, thanks to late Pope Francis’ frequent invitations to undertaking discerning processes.

The influence of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuit order) is clear: indeed, some of the more famous and more frequently quoted parts of this classic Christian work are in fact the “Rules for Discernment of Spirits”. Centuries of Church experience have proven these rules to be a solid foundation for proceeding in a journey of discernment with greater security and depth.

By attending this course, students will become familiar with the Rules for Discernment of Spirits outlined by St. Ignatius in his Exercises: their content, their timing within the dynamic of the Spiritual Exercises, their continuing validity and correct implementation in today’s world. Enriched by this knowledge, students will then also explore Ignatius’ proposals for how to pray about fundamental life choices.

  • Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God
  • Individuals with at least some experience of spiritual direction or of spiritual discernment

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
1st October 2025What are the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola?
8th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Consolation
15th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Desolation
22nd October 2025Going deeper
29th October 2025Making life choices

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.

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/.

The starting date was changed to 5th January 2026.

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
5th January 2026Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
7th January 2026Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
19th January 2026Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
21st January 2026Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
11th March 2026Seminar

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.

Introduction to Basic Themes in Liturgy for Daughters of the Sacred Heart

31/01/2025   DSH Convent, Ħamrun

This course introduces participants to the sacred liturgy, the source and summit of the Church’s life. It begins with a fundamental exploration of liturgy, followed by an overview of the liturgical year. The course then examines the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and its profound significance. Finally, it explores the practical application of living the liturgy in daily life, fostering a deeper connection between faith and practice.

Daughters of the Sacred Heart novices and postulants

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 9:30am – 10:30am

DateSession
23rd April 2025What is the Liturgy?
30th April 2025The Liturgical Year 1
7th May 2025The Liturgical Year 2
14th May 2025Walk-through of the Mass
21st May 2025Living the Mass

This course has three exit certificate options:

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must 80% of course contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend 80% of course contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam. 

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend 80% of course contact hours;  
  • successfully complete a written assignment

Language: Participants must have a primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Participants must know how to access the internet and use office suites.

Emotional Support In The Community: Basic Skills for Diakonia Pastoral Workers

30/01/2025   Marsaskala Parish Hall

The aim of this course is to empower individuals without academic backgrounds in psychology, such as pastoral workers, volunteers, and others interested in enhancing their fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes for interacting effectively with parishioners or others. This course introduces participants to helping skills, theories, and approaches.

Through study and discussion, students gain awareness of tools that assist them in their work with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. The course provides an opportunity to reflect on methods used in their work and relationships and evaluate their effectiveness.

By the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Understand the basic theories and skills of helping.
  • Know how to listen and respond appropriately.
  • Provide emotional and spiritual support.
  • Identify when to refer someone to professional help.

Diakonia pastoral workers

Target Audience Age: 18+

In this session, participants will explore pastoral work’s helping skills, including active listening, providing support, and validating feelings.

In this session, participants will discuss the crucial skill of empathy in assisting others. Participants will have the opportunity to practice this skill during the session. Additionally, participants will thoroughly explore the practice of maintaining boundaries, as clear and established limits in our work contribute to safe and effective connections.

In this session, participants will cultivate self-awareness; they will be prompted to reflect on and acknowledge their strengths, challenges, beliefs, thoughts, and emotions.

In this session, participants will explore their own spiritual journey and recognize its manifestations in their personal lives and within the community. It will delve into cultural diversity, other religious denominations, and spiritual practices within the parish, examining their impact on individual and community life. Additionally, the session will address spiritual accompaniment and religious practices, differentiating between them and exploring their potential synergy.

In this session, participants will learn when to refer individuals to professional help, understand the significance of confidentiality in pastoral work, and recognize the boundaries of confidentiality.

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:15pm to 8:15pm

DateSession
28th April 2025Learning how to listen, contain and validate feelings
5th May 2025Learning how to empathise while keeping healthy boundaries
12th May 2025Learning how to support others emotionally as a pastoral worker/non-professional
19th May 2025How to support others spiritually as a pastoral worker/non-professional
26th May 2025Learning when, where and how to refer someone to professional help

This course has three exit certificate options:

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must 80% of course contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend 80% of course contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam. 

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend 80% of course contact hours;  
  • pass the short multiple-choice online exam; 
  • and successfully complete a Case Study Analysis;

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: Participants must have a primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Participants must know how to access the internet and use office suites.

Emotional Support In The Community: Basic Skills for Dar il-Kaptan

21/06/2024   Dar il-Kaptan, Imtarfa

The aim of this course is to empower individuals without academic backgrounds in psychology, such as pastoral workers, volunteers, and others interested in enhancing their fundamental knowledge, skills, and attitudes for interacting effectively with parishioners or others. This course introduces participants to helping skills, theories, and approaches.

Through study and discussion, students gain awareness of tools that assist them in their work with people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. The course provides an opportunity to reflect on methods used in their work and relationships and evaluate their effectiveness.

By the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  • Understand the basic theories and skills of helping.
  • Know how to listen and respond appropriately.
  • Provide emotional and spiritual support.
  • Identify when to refer someone to professional help.

Individuals without an academic background in psychology, including:

  • Those who regularly provide support and companionship to colleagues and friends in their workplace, family, etc.
  • Pastoral workers, volunteers, or individuals who interact with people in need or visit residential homes.

Target Audience Age: 18+

In this session, participants will explore pastoral work’s helping skills, including active listening, providing support, and validating feelings.

In this session, participants will discuss the crucial skill of empathy in assisting others. Participants will have the opportunity to practice this skill during the session. Additionally, participants will thoroughly explore the practice of maintaining boundaries, as clear and established limits in our work contribute to safe and effective connections.

In this session, participants will cultivate self-awareness; they will be prompted to reflect on and acknowledge their strengths, challenges, beliefs, thoughts, and emotions.

In this session, participants will explore their own spiritual journey and recognize its manifestations in their personal lives and within the community. It will delve into cultural diversity, other religious denominations, and spiritual practices within the parish, examining their impact on individual and community life. Additionally, the session will address spiritual accompaniment and religious practices, differentiating between them and exploring their potential synergy.

In this session, participants will learn when to refer individuals to professional help, understand the significance of confidentiality in pastoral work, and recognize the boundaries of confidentiality.

 

DateSession
2nd January 2025
9:30am – 2:30pm		Seminar 1
3rd January 2025
8:30am – 3:30pm		Seminar 2

This course has three exit certificate options:

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend all the course contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend all the contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam. 

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend all the contact hours;  
  • pass the short multiple-choice online exam; 
  • and successfully complete a Case Study Analysis;

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: Participants must have a primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Participants must know how to access the internet and use office suites.

Introduction to Youth Ministry – Mosta Parish

19/06/2024
Introduction to Youth Ministry

This course will serve as an introduction and foundation for youth ministry. Youth ministers, youth leaders and animators will reflect on who they are, their journey of faith and the call of being a youth minister/youth leader/animator in today’s society. This will involve a discussion on ‘tools’ that believers should have to live faith.

  • Serving youth ministers/youth leaders/animators
  • Youth aspiring to become youth ministers/youth leaders/animators

Target Audience Age: 16+

The course will take place between 9:00am – 1:30pm

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre

DateSession Title
19th October 2024Reaching to our Roots
Catholic Youth Leaders
26th October 2024Living out our Faith
Deepening of Certain Ministry Aspects

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of contact hours for this course and successfully complete and pass written assessment.

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use office suite software.