Archives

Music Theory for Singers 1

01/06/2026

This course is intended for singers who would like to learn how to read music. Participants will learn about notes and note values, clefs, staves, time signatures and other basic elements of written music. Together with the theoretical part, they will practice reading pitch and rhythm.

Singers, especially liturgical animators and choristers, will enhance their musical talent with the ability to read music. It allows them to become better singers and offer a better service.

Start learning how to read music with this basic course and open yourself up to a whole new side of music.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Tuesdays between 6:00pm – 8:00pm at

Archbishops’ Seminary, Rabat
DateSession
6th October 2026 
 Introduction to pitch 1
13th October 2026
 Introduction to pitch 2
20th October 2026 Basics of rhythm and tempo 1
27th October 2026Basics of rhythm and tempo 2
10th November 2027 
 Scales and key signatures
17th November 2026Music reading practicum

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 a 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.

Basics of Organ Performance in the Liturgy

01/06/2026

This course is intended for those who although have been trained to play the piano do not yet have the required skills to play either a digital or pipe organ. This course is meant for those already playing the organ in their parish, either regularly or occasionally, and others who intend to start doing so.  

The course, which leads to a certificate at level 3 of the Archdiocese Framework, is spread over six meetings which include practical sessions on the organ by participants. During all sessions guidance is given on when and how the organ should be used in liturgical celebrations and which hymns and repertoire would be suitable.  

This course is intended for adult Catholics and mature older adolescents seeking to improve their knowledge of music in religious settings, in particular of the organ.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays between 6:00pm – 8:00pm at

Archbishops’ Seminary, Rabat
DateSession
7th April 2027Playing the organ pedals
14th April 2027Legato and non-legato touch   
21st April 2027Registration
28th April 2027The organ as accompaniment to the cantor and the congregation
5th May 2027Harmonization of liturgical hymns
12th May 2027Organ improvisation in the liturgy

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 a 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.

Serving at the Lord’s Table – Spirituality, Liturgy and Leadership

26/05/2026

This course is designed for adults who are responsible for guiding, training, and accompanying altar servers within the parish. It aims to deepen their understanding of the important role they play in forming young people who serve at the altar and participate closely in the Church’s liturgy.

The programme offers both spiritual and practical formation. Participants will reflect on the meaning of liturgical service, the importance of reverence and order in the sanctuary, and the responsibility of fostering a spirit of prayer, discipline, and commitment among altar servers. Attention will also be given to effective methods of training, leadership, communication, and age-appropriate formation.

Leaders, trainers, parish helpers who have been assigned by the parish priest to take care of altar servers 

Target Audience Age: 16+

The course will take place on Wednesdays between 6:00pm – 8:00pm at

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

DateSession
7th April 2027More Than Supervision: The Vocation of the Parish Helper with Servers
14th April 2027The Spiritual World of the Child: How Children Experience God
21st April 2027Learning from Children: What Their Faith Teaches Adult Believers
28th April 2027Fostering a spirit of Prayer and Reverence in the Servers
5th May 2027Nurturing Vocations for Priestly, Religious or Married life among the Servers
12th May 2027Ideas on Formation and Activities for Altar Servers

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 a 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.

Stories That Shape Us: Psychological Insights from the Bible

25/05/2026

This six‑session course explores key psychological experiences through biblical figures from the Old and New Testaments. Participants examine themes such as facing uncertainty, forming identity, managing emotional exhaustion, healing through relationships, and learning from failure. Through the stories of figures like Abraham, Mary, Moses, Peter, Elijah, Ruth, and David, the sessions connect biblical narratives with psychological insights about human growth and resilience. The programme emphasises how trust reduces anxiety, responsibility shapes identity, rest restores balance, relationships foster healing, and forgiveness transforms shame into personal growth. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and develop healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges.

Ideal for people who would like to delve deeper into the psychological themes in the Bible; General Public.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays between 6:00pm – 8:00pm at

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

Students can join online via Zoom

DateSession
7th April 2027The Bible as a Mirror of the Human Heart (Introduction)
14th April 2027Facing the Unknown
21st April 2027Identity and Self-Doubt
28th April 2027Burnout and Emotional Exhaustion
5th May 2027Healing Through Relationship
12th May 2027Failure, Shame, and Restoration

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 a 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.

Introduction to Communal Discernment

15/05/2026   Various

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 introduces the principles and practices of communal discernment in the Catholic tradition. Participants will explore how communities can prayerfully seek God’s will together, grounded in Scripture, Church teaching, and Ignatian spirituality. Through reflection, dialogue, and practical exercises, you will learn to integrate spiritual listening and mission-oriented decision-making in your context.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
7th October 2026Examples of Communal Discernment in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Ignatian Tradition
14th October 2026Principles of Communal Discernment
21st October 2026Steps in the Process
28th October 2026Ignatian Tools: Consolation, Desolation & Group Discernment
4th November 2026Challenges and Pitfalls
11th November 2026Application and Integration

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 a 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.

Faith Foundations for Catechists

14/05/2026

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 foundational introduction to the core elements of the Catholic faith. It explores the sources of faith through Revelation, Scripture, and anthropology, leading to a deeper understanding of God revealed in Jesus Christ as the Triune God. Participants are guided through the meaning of the Church, the Sacraments, and the Liturgy as central to Christian life. The course also introduces the moral and social teachings of the Church, helping learners connect faith with daily living and responsible action in society.

Catechists

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:00pm at

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
10th October 2026The Main sources
14th November 2026The Sacred Scriptures
16th January 2027God revealed in Jesus Christ
13th February 2027The Church as builder of the Kingdom of God
13th March 2027The meaning of the Sacraments and the Liturgy
10th April 2027The Moral and Social Teaching of the Church

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 a 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.

Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators for Sacred Heart College Malta

29/04/2026
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

This course provides foundational knowledge of frontier artificial intelligence technologies that will allow teachers and other community members to use and support the use of AI in educational applications in ways that are effective, safe, and ethical. The course will develop the skills necessary to support children in their interactions with AI. Graduates will be equipped to guide young learners through the ethical considerations, societal implications, and practical uses of AI, fostering informed and responsible engagement with these quickly evolving technologies. The course focuses on the latest advancements in generative AI for text, images, video, music, and speech. Foundational topics include how AI works, how these models are trained, their capabilities, limitations, safety, ethics, and implications for society. Graduates will learn about the AI technology landscape, main AI companies, latest models, and differences between AI models. They will engage with these technologies and discuss case studies and research that illustrate capabilities, limitations, challenges, promise and pitfalls of AI. Students will receive an introduction to prompt engineering, learn different ways of interacting with different AI technologies, and learn how AI can be used in applications, such as teaching, editing, programming, and general support for creative tasks. Graduates will also learn how different technologies can be used together. By the end of the course, graduates will have a sufficient understanding of how these technologies work, current cutting-edge technologies available and on the horizon, different ways AI is being used in an educational setting and by young people, how they can support young learners in engaging with AI, and the considerations and importance when using AI in a way that is safe, ethical, and effective.

This course is delivered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with

London School of Artificial Intelligence.

Qualified educators and others interested in the subject.

Knowledge

  • Foundational AI Concepts: Understanding fundamental principles of AI, including development, training, and utilization across various domains (text, images, video, music, speech).
  • AI Technologies and Their Applications: In-depth knowledge of current AI technologies, prominent companies, latest models, and their applications in education.
  • Ethics and Safety in AI: Critical understanding of ethical considerations, including bias, privacy, transparency, and societal impacts.
  • AI’s Societal Implications: Exploration of AI’s broader societal implications, including disruptions to industries and ethical challenges.
  • Case Studies and Research in AI: Study of practical uses, limitations, and challenges of AI through case studies and current research.

Skills

  • AI Tool Use: Advanced skills in using various AI tools and technologies, including generative AI models.
  • Critical Analysis and Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI, and solve complex problems related to AI implementation.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication of complex AI concepts to diverse audiences and collaboration with peers and professionals.
  • Data Interpretation and Decision-Making: Ability to gather, interpret, and utilize data related to AI usage in education for informed decision-making.
  • Ethical Implementation and Reflection: Ethical use of AI, reflective practice, and continuous evaluation of AI’s impact on education.
  • Creative and Innovative Use of AI: Creativity in applying AI technologies to enhance educational practices and exploring synergies between different AI technologies.

Competencies

  • AI Knowledge Application and Problem-Solving: Application of advanced AI knowledge to address challenges in educational settings and develop innovative solutions.
  • Ethical and Responsible AI Management: Commitment to ethical principles in managing AI projects, evaluating social and ethical implications.
  • Leadership and Collaboration in AI Education: Leading teams in adopting AI technologies, providing guidance, and fostering collaboration.
  • Ongoing Professional Development in AI: Continuous engagement in professional development to stay updated with AI advancements.
  • Strategic Management and Implementation of AI in Education: Planning, managing, and executing AI-related projects, balancing technical capabilities with social and moral considerations.
DateTimeSession
18th May 202610:30am – 12:30pmThe AI Landscape
22nd May 202610:00am – 12:00pmInteracting with AI
25th May 202610:00am – 12:00pmStudent Safety in Using AI
27th May 202610:00am – 12:00pmAI Ethics and Morality
28th May 202610:00am – 12:00pmIntegration Strategy for AI in Education

This course has one exit certificate option: 

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours and successfully pass the examination and written assignment.

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: 7

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2

Contact Hours: 10

Self-Study Hours: 30

Self-Study Hours: 30

This course is delivered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with London School of Artificial Intelligence.

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a minimum of an MQF/EQF Level 6 or higher qualification. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.

Language: Applicants must have a basic understanding of Maltese and be proficient in English.

Digital: Applicants must be proficient in accessing and using the internet and office software suites.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and blended learning, applicants must reside in the Maltese Islands and provide their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, please refer to Identity Malta’s visa requirements for third-country nationals.

Walking with the Bereaved: Understanding Grief and Pastoral Care

29/04/2026   Dar Ommna Marija, Siġġiewi

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.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DateSession
18th May 2026Understanding Grief and Bereavement
25th May 2026Types of Dynamics of Grief
1st June 2026Grief in Families and Communities
8th June 2026Pastoral Accompaniment and Intervention
15th June 2026Walking with the Bereaved Beyond the Funeral

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.

Liturgical Singing for Seminarians

24/02/2026

This course is intended to offer practical aides and musical preparation to seminarians of the Roman Catholic Church (latin rite) for better singing during the liturgy.

Seminarians

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Tuesdays from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

at Archbishops’ Seminary, Rabat

DateLecture Title
3rd March 2026Introduction
17th March 2026Rite of the Beginning
7th April 2026Liturgy of the Word
14th April 2026Liturgy of the Eucharist
21st April 2026Concluding Rite
28th April 2026Holy Week

This course has one exit certificate :

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.

This course is delivered by the Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute.

To be eligible for this course applicants must be seminarians in their formation years of the Roman Catholic Church. They must also be proficient in both Maltese and English.

 

Living Beyond Sunday for Rabat Parish

30/07/2025   Rabat Parish Centre

Our relationship with God is not meant to stay within the walls of our parish church when we leave after Sunday Mass. Instead, “the Mass is ended, go in peace” is an exhortation for us to let what we received during Mass transform our hearts, families, homes, and schools into welcoming places to encounter Christ. This transformation should continue until we gather again the following Sunday to be strengthened and sent forth once more.

In this new course, Living Beyond Sunday, we aim to share ideas to help parents and all those working with children make their time together a place of encounter with God—a place where saints are being made. The course discusses how to foster holiness in all the everyday moments of Catholic life, starting with spiritual pedagogy and moving on to practical ways to celebrate this. It is based on the premise that with small efforts, creativity, and adaptations, it is possible to make what we experience during liturgy appealing, meaningful, and impactful for children.

Rabat pastoral workers and parishioners

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:30pm to 7:45pm at Rabat Parish Centre

DatesSession
29th September 2025Introduction to the Liturgical Year
6th October 2025The Eucharist: Heart of the Liturgical Year
13th October 2025Advent & Christmas
20th October 2025Lent & the Easter Triduum
27th October 2025Easter & Ordinary Time

This course has two 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 Achievement

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