5 sessions – Pastoral Formation Institute

Sport and Community Building

16/05/2024 Catholic Institute, Floriana

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Sport and Community Building is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

The local community is central to God’s work. This module will explore and identify ways in which different groups in the local community can make stronger and healthier communities across generations. It illustrates the various ways in which sports has been serving in building God’s Kingdom. Learners will be able to learn sport-related skills and language to teach the values and apply learnt knowledge to their particular setting. Learners will also be able to organise and create sport camps and festivals according to their specific context, looking also at the practical aspect of such organisation

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Youth leaders interested in Sports/Physical Activity,
Sports persons (coaches, athletes, club admin. members) interested in Sports Ministry,
School chaplains, PE teachers, and Teachers interested in both areas (sports & spirituality).

Target Audience Age: 18+

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE5004	– Weekly Lectures – Practicum	2 ECTS

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Lecturers: Sr Rachel Camilleri ASGM

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time

Part 1: Theory

Dates	Dates	Times	Venue
Thursdays	16.05.2024 – 13.06.2024	18:00 – 20:00	Catholic Institute, Floriana

Part 2: Practicum

Over the summer period, participants are asked to partake in 10 hours of practicum. Participants can choose to either take part in a Summer Camp or organise an activity in a youth group they are a member of. More information about this part of the course will be given to applicants during the course.

Assessment: Activity Observation 40% & Written Activity Report 60

Assessment Explanation: These will take into consideration these key criteria: activity content and design of the event, implementation and evaluation of an activity.

Participants are expected to devise and put into practice the planned activity with a concluding evaluative report. The content and practice have to reflect in practice the principles learnt during the module.

For this Assignment or Activity, participants are to take into consideration one of the following cohorts: young (4 to 10 years), adolescents (11-15 years), youth (16 – 30 years) and adults (31+).

Duration: 5 sessions part-time including:

Contact hours – 10 hours
Supervised Placement and Practice Hours – 10 hours
Self-Study Hours – 20 hours
Assessment Hours – 10 hours

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

*_{To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and successfully pass the assignment}

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Sports and Commmunity Building is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

Applicants must be in possession of:

Proficient in English
Minimum Level: O level or equivalent
Expressed interest in Evangelisation and Sport
Participants must present POMA certification and clean police conduct.

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.

Emotional Support: Self Awareness and Self Care

15/01/2024 Ta` Mlit, Mosta

This is a follow-up course which complements the ‘Emotional Support in the Community: Basic Skills’ course. This course focuses on and encourages the participants to engage in reflective practice, and to enhance the skills of self-awareness. It takes an in-depth look at issues related to transference and countertransference, and how these influence the individuals receiving the service.

The course then delves into the topic of mental health, focusing on supporting people with mental health issues, particularly when it comes to depression and anxiety. The course also aims to create an opportunity to discuss self-care practices, which are crucial to providing the best possible care.

Learning Outcomes:

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

Understand the importance of self-awareness and how to apply it to themselves in a personal and pastoral care context.
Define and describe transference and countertransference and what prompts them.
Comprehend the meaning of reflective practice, and hence begin to analyse their practices to gain a better understanding of quality service, which ensures a safe and positive working environment.
Grasp the concepts of mental health and mental health issues and how they affect daily life.
Explore what depression is (and is not) and highlight the difference between ‘normal’ anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Understand the importance of taking care of themselves as service providers.

The course is highly recommended for:

Those who completed Emotional Support in the Community: Basic Skills with the Pastoral Formation Institute.
People who desire to enhance their listening abilities, to improve their relationships with family members, and co-workers.
Supportive individuals who wish to care for themselves in the process of helping others.

Target Audience Age: 18+

During their personal commitments, pastoral workers have a variety of experiences that help them better understand themselves.

Knowing oneself and becoming self-aware helps those involved in pastoral work relate to those with whom they are called to be in a relationship more effectively. It’s vital as they strive to treat others’ feelings, points of view, and circumstances with kindness and faithfulness.

In addition to self-awareness, emotional self-awareness encourages pastoral workers to investigate how their emotions influence their pastoral work. Hence, it is vital that they keep their emotions in check.

Countertransference occurs when the person receiving the service triggers the pastoral worker’s unconscious wants, desires, or experiences. In certain circumstances, pastoral professionals may be unaware of the needs or sentiments developing within themselves. As a result, a volunteer or pastoral worker must have good psychological health and emotional maturity.

Due to unresolved feelings, the pastoral worker or volunteer becomes a person from the past for the individual receiving the service through transference. A significant relationship is formed through association when a pastoral worker reminds a layperson of someone who has been a nurturing influence in their life.

Reflective practice in pastoral ministry is associated with an increased awareness of the minister’s own style in service, as well as validation of his or her own ideas. There may be room for constructive challenges to customary practices. This will aid in clarifying the role of the ministry in society.

Reflective practice also assists pastoral workers in identifying their own strengths and limitations and using this knowledge to encourage their peers to enhance their performance or service. Reflection will help the volunteer improve their self-directed learning ability, motivation, and the level of care they can provide.

Because pastoral workers engage with people on a daily basis, it is critical that they are aware of any mental health concerns that may be harming their service users’ well-being. During this session, we will have an overview of mental health concerns that may be affecting individuals we meet through our volunteer work.

As a result, they will recognize that good mental health entails being able to think, feel, and behave in ways that you need and want to live your life. However, if you experience a period of poor mental health, you may find that the ways you often think, feel, or react become difficult, if not impossible, to manage.

During this session, pastoral workers will gain a better understanding of the causes that contribute to depression, as well as how trauma can contribute to it. They will also appreciate the connections between childhood trauma and how adults function with and without depression and anxiety issues. With all this information, pastoral workers will learn how to support these individuals while respecting their autonomy.

There may be a misconception that self-care is unnecessary during pastoral work because a minister is supposed to devote their lives to others with boundless love. However, pastoral workers will become more conscious of the importance of self-care during this session. They are less likely to break boundaries, burn out, or engage in risky behavior if they practice self-care, which helps lower overall stress and helps them achieve balance. They are becoming more aware that when they take care of themselves, they are also taking care of others.

The course is delivered in 6 sessions (12 contact hours) over 6 weeks. The 2-hour weekly sessions are held on Mondays between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre. Free parking facilities are available.

Mondays at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Date	Lecture Title
15.01.2024	Understanding Self-Awareness.
22.01.2024	Discussing Transference and Countertransference.
29.01.2024	Understanding the Concept of Reflective Practice and Learning to Reflect on Our Work.
05.02.2024	Understanding Mental Health and Supporting People with Mental Health Issues.
19.02.2024	Working with People Dealing with Depression and Anxiety.
26.02.2024	Appreciating and Practicing Self-Care.

Certification: 

This course offers three exit certificate options

1. Certificate of Attendance

To receive a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend a minimum of 80% of 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 minimum of 80% of the contact hours;
pass the short multiple-choice online exam;
and successfully complete a Case Study Analysis.

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always strive to evaluate applications based on academic potential. We consider a diverse range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other relevant experiences and skills.

Language Skills: A basic understanding of both Maltese and English.

Digital Skills: Proficient in internet access and word processing.

Emotional Support In The Community: Basic Skills

09/10/2023 Ta` Mlit, Mosta

The aim of this course is to empower persons who do not have any academic background in the psychological sector, such as pastoral workers; volunteers; and other persons interested in improving their relationships, with the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes needed whilst interacting with parishioners or other persons. This course introduces pastoral workers or volunteers to helping skills, theories, and approaches.

Through studying and discussing these methods, students become more aware of the tools which help them in their work with different people who come from various cultural and social backgrounds. The course aims to create an opportunity to reflect on the methods they use during their work and relationships and evaluate their work.

Learning Outcomes:

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

understand the basic helping theories and skills;
know how to listen and respond appropriately;
be able to support the person emotionally and spiritually;
know when to refer a person to professional help.

Persons who do not have any academic background in the psychological sector. Namely:

Persons who listen and accompany colleagues and friends on a regular basis at their workplace, within their family, etc…
Pastoral workers, volunteers or those who come in contact with persons, families in need, or visit residential homes.
Persons who are interested in developing their relationships.

Target Audience Age: 18+

In this session participants will explore helping skills used during pastoral work, including listening to people, supporting, and validating feelings.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to learn how to be present with people physically, emotionally, and mentally.
to learn how to help a person feel accepted, understood and not judged.

In this session, the important skill of being empathic when helping people will be discussed. There will be the opportunity to practice this skill during the session. At the same time, the practice of maintaining boundaries will be thoroughly discussed, as having clear and established limits in our work contribute to safe connections.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to become aware of the importance of empathy;
to be able to practice ways of empathic communication;
to be able to practice self-care through having healthy boundaries.

In this session, the student will become more self-aware; the individual is encouraged to reflect and be aware of his/her strengths, challenges, beliefs, thoughts, and emotions.

The outcomes of this session are:

to be able to engage in reflective practice;
to be able to identify one’s strengths and challenges;
to be able to bring about changes in the attitudes and ways of working.

In this session, students will be invited to look at their own spiritual life and become aware of how this is manifested and expressed in their personal lives and within the community. It will also investigate cultural varieties and other religious denominations and/or spiritual practices and trends within the parish, and how these influence individual as well as community/parish life, and vice versa. This session will also touch on the notion of spiritual accompaniment and religious practices, how they differ, and how they can complement each other.

The outcomes of this session are:

to gain a better understanding of the spirituality as lived in the community;
to gain awareness by reflecting on one’s own spiritual lives and discourse and how these can influence the community they are part of;
to gain an understanding of the notion of spiritual accompaniment and how this can be put into practice.

In this session, the student will become aware of when s/he should refer a person to professional help, why confidentiality is important when working in a pastoral context and what are the limits to confidentiality.

The outcomes of this session are:

to learn and be able to differentiate amongst various helping professionals and services available;
to be able to guide and link people to further specialised help when required.

The course is delivered in 5 sessions (10 contact hours) over 5 weeks. The 2 hour weekly sessions are held on Mondays between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre. Free parking facilities are available.

Mondays at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Date	Lecture Title	Lecturer
9th October	Learning how to listen, contain and validate feelings	Mr Joseph Pellicano
16th October	Learning how to empathise while keeping healthy boundaries	Mr Joseph Pellicano
23rd October	Learning how to support others emotionally	Mr Joseph Pellicano
30th October	How to support others spiritually	Ms Marisa Gatt
6th November	Learning when, where and how to refer someone to professional help	Mr Joseph Pellicano

Certification: 

This course has three exit certificate options:

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;

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

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.

Emotional Support: Introducing Helping Skills to Service Providers

21/08/2023 Ta` Mlit, Mosta

This course aims to provide emotional support skills to workers in the service industry with jobs that require them to work directly with people on an individual level, such as hairdressers, beauticians, and more. To maintain a positive relationship in the service industry, workers are faced with the inevitable task of supporting their clients in the problems and experiences they may feel comfortable sharing with them.

Empathy, affection, and care are all forms of emotional support that the clients may need. According to research, the most effective strategy for engaging customers is to go beyond customer satisfaction and connect with them on an emotional level, which plays a larger role in meeting deeper emotional demands. Following this training, participants will be more aware of how to assist their customers on an emotional level while maintaining appropriate boundaries, valuing self-care, and being able to refer to other professionals.

Learning Outcomes:

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

improve their listening and assist colleagues and/or clients at work;
accompany with others while containing their emotions;
know when and how to refer patients for additional assistance;
build a sense of familiarity among their staff and consumers.

People whose work requires them to listen to and support colleagues and/or clients.
Service providers who have direct contact with their clients and spend a significant amount of time with them.
Service providers who want to strengthen their interactions with their clients and colleagues.
Employers who seek to foster a sense of familiarity among their employees and customers.

Target Audience Age: 18+

It is not necessary for attendees to have any academic background in the psychological sector.

This session aims to provide more awareness to service providers regarding the importance of emotional connections when developing relationships with customers, encouraging customer loyalty and a good overall reputation.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

to define ‘emotion’ and be conscious of how one interacts with their own feelings.
to be aware that a person can communicate by expressing their emotions.

In this session, participants learn about listening, supporting, and validating feelings as helping skills. By simply being present, participants learn how to lay the groundwork for additional support and assist one another.

The learning outcomes of this session are:

Learning how to be present with people physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Learning how to help a person feel accepted, understood, and not judged.

The crucial skill of empathy is tackled in this session. Participants learn to be aware of the fundamental requirements for providing assistance, showing unconditional positive regard and empathy while being congruent.

The outcomes of this session are:

Becoming aware of the importance of empathy.
Being sincere, genuine, and honest with their customers.
Adopting a perspective of complete acceptance and love, whether for oneself or another.

This session will delve into the practice of upholding boundaries. Setting boundaries at work allows us to foster safe connections while being aware of our interactions with others and ourselves.

The outcomes of this session are:

Being able to practice self-care by establishing healthy boundaries.
Being aware of the various boundary types that preserve a good relationship while protecting participants from their customers.

During this session, participants learn when to refer someone to professional help . Participants learn the difference between respecting the customers’ confidentiality and when it is necessary to disclose certain information for the benefit of their well-being.

The outcomes of this session are:

Learning and being able to differentiate between various helping professionals and services available;
Being able to guide and refer people to more specialised help when needed.

Mondays: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Date	Lecture Title
21st August	Recognising the Value of Strong Emotional Bonds with Customers
28th August	Learning how to listen, contain, and validate customers’ feelings.
4th September	How to Demonstrate Empathy while Listening to Customers
11th September	Learning to maintain healthy boundaries while remaining emotionally connected to customers.
18th September	Knowing when, where, and how to refer someone to a professional.

Certification: 

This course has three exit certificate options:

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 course contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend a minimum of 80% of all course contact hours;
successfully complete the course`s assessments (short multiple-choice exam & case study analysis)

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

How to Understand & Deliver Better the Bible as a Catechist

22/10/2022 Refectory Hall, The Archbishop`s Curia, Floriana, & Ċentru Parrokkjali Santu r-Rokku, Valletta

Inspired by the biblical verse “your Word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path” Psalm 119, the aim of this short course is to equip catechists with the information needed regarding the main biblical books which are key texts of the Christian life and of the catechesis for children, adolescents and adults.

Learning Outcomes:

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

to understand more about the books of the Pentateuch, the Prophets, and the Gospels;
to understand what parables are and how they are different from stories and other genres;
to understand the miracles as described in the Bible;
to respond appropriately when students ask questions related to the Bible;
to apply what they have learnt to a young audience.

If you would like to attend any number of seminars instead of the whole course, email [email protected]

Catechists who do not have an academic background in theology;
Persons who have a certificate in either Faith Foundations for Ministry or a General Education Award in Evangelisation
Parents who wish to learn how to share Biblical passages with their children.
Other persons interested in the subject, may also apply.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The aim of this session is to present the Bible not as a code of conduct or morality book but rather as a text where we encounter people who had a faith journey in God. In addition, it will also present the Bible as a tool, through which, we, the people of God living today, can also grow in our own faith in Jesus and God.

The aim of this session is to delve deeper into the first 5 books of the Bible. Attention will be given to the cultural backgrounds and literary genres presented in these books. Students will have the opportunity to appreciate, interpret, and teach from these books in their ministry.

The aim of this session is to understand the role of the prophet in the Old Testament as well as to explore the various theological themes which emerge in these books. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to teach from these books in their ministry.

Who were Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and why is Jesus portrayed so differently in each gospel? The aim of this session is to present the diversity found in the synoptic gospels and the gospel of John and at the same time examine the unity found between them.

The aim of this session is the help the learner understand what a miracle is and what is its significance. In addition, parables are also explored as both a spiritual and a teaching tool. Methods for interpreting and applying miracles and parables as an interesting way of teaching are also explored.

This will be a reflective session which will provide an opportunity for the students to evaluate what they have learnt throughout the course as well as explore how the word of God is speaking to them today.

This course has two exit certificate options:

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.

Teaching Institution: Lifelong Catechesis

Final Award: How to Understand & Deliver Better the Bible as a Catechist

Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: 6 Saturdays

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.