Archives

Walking Together in Lent: Pastoral Pathways to Renewal

27/10/2025

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 short course is designed for parish leaders seeking to deepen the spiritual and communal impact of Lent within their communities. Through four focused sessions, participants will explore creative and mission-driven pastoral initiatives rooted in prayer, reconciliation, service, and outreach. The course emphasizes practical planning, collaboration, and spiritual leadership to help parishes journey meaningfully through Lent and into Easter.

Pastoral Leaders

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom.

DateSession
26th January 2026Rediscovering the Lenten Journey – A Pastoral Vision
28th January 2026Lent as a Time for Healing and Reconciliation
2nd February 2026Pastoral Creativity – Initiatives for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
4th February 2026Sustaining the Spirit – From Lent to Easter and Beyond

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 for 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 complete a written assignment.

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly in the use of office suites and of the internet, to both of which they must have access.

Preparing a Formative Path for Young People in Organised Ministry

27/08/2025   Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

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/.

A thriving youth ministry requires intentional planning and a deep understanding of the young people it serves. This course explores the importance of a structured framework in ensuring spiritual growth, engagement, and formation throughout the year. Participants will learn how to assess their youth groups’ unique needs, integrate liturgical and formative elements, and create sessions that resonate with their social and spiritual contexts. The role of discernment in ministry will also be addressed, equipping leaders with tools to seek God’s guidance in their planning. Through hands-on activities, youth leaders will develop a comprehensive, adaptable ministry plan aligned with parish life. Peer discussions and feedback from facilitators will refine these plans, fostering collaboration and shared leadership. By the end of the course, participants will leave with practical strategies to build a dynamic and purposeful youth ministry that nurtures lasting faith formation.

  • Youth leaders

Target Audience Age: 18+

TBA

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 / when viewing all the videos 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 complete a reflective journal.

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly in the use of office suites and of the internet, to both of which they must have access.

Called to Accompany: Formation for Facilitators and Helpers

25/08/2025   Archbishop's Curia - Media Room

Called to Accompany is a formation course for those called to facilitate Catholic support groups and help in activities for separated persons. The course offers practical and spiritual tools to accompany others with compassion, integrity, and faith. It includes sessions on group dynamics, safeguarding, and the spiritual foundations of this ministry, helping facilitators and helpers to create safe, respectful, and hope-filled environments rooted in the Church’s care.

  • Facilitators leading support groups in parishes
  • Members of subcommittees helping in social events; retreats and conferences/seminars

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DatesSession
10th January 2026Group Dynamics
24th January 2026Safeguarding (*)
7th February 2026Spirituality from Bible Texts
(*) Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

This lesson delves into the essential principles of safeguarding, focusing on creating safe environments for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. By the lesson’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 lesson is offered in-person and continues with an online session namely:

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning) dated 24th January 2026
  2. 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

An additional Certificate of Participation will be awarded to students who successfully complete the course multiple-choice test. An MFHEA-accredited Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students who successfully complete the safeguarding component, pass the short multiple-choice online exam, and submit a reflective journal.

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending all contact hours (100%) for this course and successfully completing and passing 15 short multiple-choice questions on the first and third lecture available on the Moodle platform.

2. Certificate of Achievement

The student will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement upon meeting the attendance criteria outlined above, successfully completing the multiple-choice assessment, and submitting a 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.

Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools

05/08/2025

The course dates will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, you can register your interest by completing the application form below.

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

Students who successfully complete this course may apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €595.00 will be refunded for this course).

Schools provide a holistic environment that fosters the pursuit of truth, the development of healthy critical thinking, and the creation of spaces where individuals of diverse faiths can question, reflect, pray, and build communities of mutual acceptance. In this challenging yet enriching context, the balance of faith and reason, supported by pastoral and biblical theology, offers a solid foundation for School Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy.

Moreover, Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in schools serve as bridges connecting faith with culture, and spirituality with the technocratic realm of contemporary society. The promotion of this mindset and its practical application are strengthened by empowering school leadership and pedagogy to embrace and uphold essential values, particularly Gospel values, which are crucial in our empirically driven, digitally oriented society.

This will be achieved through:

  • A deeper introduction to and study of the bridge between faith and reason, biblical and pastoral theology (Modules 1 and 2).
  • An in-depth understanding of the role of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in a pluralistic school environment through multiculturalism, inter-religious dialogue, and engagement with the technocratic realm (Module 3).
  • Insights from Pastoral Theology on building communion between human beings and with God (Module 3).
  • An appreciation for the need for spiritual accompaniment and the stages of spiritual development in young people, youth, and adults (Module 4).
  • The development of practical methods for designing, leading, and evaluating liturgical and religious activities (Module 4).
  • Professional ministry that enriches the school ethos, leadership, and pedagogy with values that enable transformative experiences, thus inviting course participants to evaluate and integrate the vision and values proclaimed (Module 5).

This course is open to all individuals involved in the educational sector or with an expressed interest in working in this area.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7001In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)6 ECTS

Through this module participants will be able to explore the important logical and authoritative relationship between faith, revelation and reason all of which are the principal sources of Catholic living.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7002In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)6 ECTS

Through this module participants will be able to: Explore the application of Biblical theology within the framework of school pastoral care and within the School Chaplaincy setting. It aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of how Biblical Narratives can inform and enhance pastoral care practices within educational settings. The module covers theological concepts, pastoral strategies and practical skills necessary for effective chaplaincy work in schools, focusing on the psychological, emotional, spiritual, and ethical development of students.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7003In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)6 ECTS

Our increasingly multicultural society and schools often lead to cultural misunderstandings and xenophobic sentiments due to a lack of knowledge. Schools, as microcosms of society, introduce students to diverse backgrounds, and educators in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy have an ethical duty to create an inclusive environment that respects and values every individual, celebrates diversity, and fosters unity.

The rise in multiculturalism in schools presents a new challenge for educators, necessitating better preparation to fulfil their transformative role in society and reach out to all students, regardless of their creed, culture, or nationality. This module aims to inform and equip educators to create inclusive school environments that respect all students’ diverse backgrounds. Participants in this module will gain an understanding of how technology influences young people’s psychological and spiritual self-perception, interactions, and worldview. They will examine the impact of technological advancements, such as digital communication, social media, gamified environments, AI, and augmented realities, on youth. By analysing these trends, educators will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that technology presents for young people. The module will also teach participants to critically analyse technology’s effects on culture, particularly youth culture, through the media ecology school and explore the technocratic paradigm’s impact on science, faith, and society using the theory of planned behaviour.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7004In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)6 ECTS

Living and mentoring through the right knowledge and skills the school ethos is a crucial aspect of school life for the benefit of the whole school community.  The ethos gives the community the impetus it needs to promote a positive character formation. Within the framework of schools, the inspirational shepherding figure of Christ enables the school community to recognize each person’s unique gifts and encourages their personal development. The full collaboration and cooperation between the school community and the various interdisciplinary teams amongst them the School Pastoral Care, are necessary transformative mediums for the students’ holistic character development and formation as they can grow into principled, responsible individuals.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7005In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)3 ECTS

The seminar (weekend-based) at the  beginning of the course is crucial, because, participants are  introduced to each other, the topics  chosen, revolve mainly  around the need to  be aware  of oneself  holistically within the venture of School Pastoral Care and  Chaplaincy, the need  of self-care, the need to equip oneself  well with resilience,  the importance of  keeping the goals of Pastoral Care  and Chaplaincy as the centre and  sustenance of the whole mission in the school context.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE7006In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)3 ECTS

The spiritual reflection day (based on a weekend) is a valuable opportunity for all participants to  get in touch with the sacred within them, to evaluate  their consciousness of their impact  within the mission of School Pastoral Care  and Chaplaincy  through the use of various evaluation resources, and  to   share with the rest of the group their spiritual experiences.

 

We are working to make the course available from January 2026. In the meantime, you can register your interest by completing the application form below.

This course has one exit certificate option:

Certificate of Achievement

To receive a Certificate of Achievement, the student must:

  • Attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.
  • Complete and pass assessments for all modules.
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

Funding
Students completing the Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools may apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €595.00 will be refunded for this course).

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly in the use of office suites and of the internet, to both of which they must have access.

Previous courses / training:

– Minimum Level 6 or equivalent as determined by the Course Director Or

Students who have fully completed and passed the Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools (MQF Level 6) and expressed interest in Pastoral Care in Schools.

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, see Identity Malta’s VISA requirements for third-country nationals.

CPD – Il-katekeżi għat-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilità

29/07/2025   Ta' Mlit

Il-kors huwa maħsub biex joffri formazzjoni bażika lill-katekisti li fil-ministeru tagħhom, iservu lit-tfal u pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilita’. L-ewwelnett, permezz tal-kors, il-katekisti għandhom jakkwistaw għarfien bażiku tar-realtajiet differenti li jikkaratterizzaw diżabilitajiet diversi. Ma’ dan, il-katekisti jakkwistaw ukoll għarfien dwar kif huma għandhom jirrelataw ma’ dawn il-persuni u kif għandhom ikunu wkoll ta’ appoġġ għall-familji tagħhom. Dan huwa pass essenzjali biex il-ħidma kateketika fil-qasam, tgħin lil dawn it-tfal jagħmlu esperjenza ta’ fidi fi ħdan il-komunita’ ekkleżjali.

Dan ma’ jistax isir jekk ma jinkisibx għarfien rigward il-metodi u r-riżorsi addattati għall-ħidma kateketika ma’ dawn it-tfal u l-familji tagħhom. Il-kors għandu wkoll jiżgura li l-katekisti ikunu aktar sensibbli għall-bżonnijiet ta’ dawn il-persuni fejn tidħol l-animazzjoni tat-talb u ċ-ċelebrazzjoni tas-sagramenti.

Fl-aħħarnett, il-kors għandu jinkoraġġixxi, isaħħaħ u jifrex dejjem aktar il-prattiċi tajbin li sa issa diġa qegħdin jiġu mħaddma fil-ħidma kateketika madwar id-djoċesi.

  • Katekisti u persuni oħra interessati fis-suġġett.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Il-kors ser isir is-Sibt mid-9:30am sa’ 12:00pm Ta’ Mlit.

DataSessjoni
25 ta’ Ottubru 2025L-għarfien tal-esperjenza tad-diżabilità fit-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti
10 ta’ Jannar 2026Kif nirrelataw mat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’ diżabilità u kif insostnu lill-familji tagħhom
21 ta’ Frar 2026L-edukazzjoni u l-animazzjoni tat-talb u l-liturġija għat-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilità
18 ta’ April 2026Riżorsi u Metodi fil-preparazzjoni għas-Sagramenti għat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’diżabilità
9 ta’ Mejju 2026Good practices fil-parroċċi fil-qasam tal-katekeżi mat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’diżabilità
Dan il-kors għandu żewġ għażliet ta’ ċertifikati:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza

Sabiex tikseb Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu 80% tas-sessjonijiet tal-kors.

2. Ċertifikat ta’ Parteċipazzjoni

L-istudent jirċievi Ċertifikat ta’ Parteċipazzjoni meta (minbarra li jissodisfa l-kriterji ta’ attendenza ta’ hawn fuq) itemm b’suċċess valutazzjoni qasira online.

Lingwa: L-applikanti għandhom ikollom fehma tal-Malti u jkunu fluwenti fl-Ingliż.

Teknoloġija diġitali: L-applikanti huma meħtieġa li jkunu fluwenti fl-użu tad-dinja diġitali, inkluż li jkunu jafu kif jaċċessaw l-internet u jużaw office suites bħal Microsoft Word.

Accompanying Couples towards Marriage

14/07/2025   Dar Nazaret, Ħal Tarxien

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 equips experienced and committed married couples to serve as mentors and facilitators in Catholic marriage preparation programs. Through practical and interactive training, participants will strengthen their skills in effective communication, group dynamics, and adult learning facilitation. The course also explores essential dimensions of marriage—including spirituality, sexuality, responsible parenthood, and family life—grounded in Church teaching. Couples will be empowered to accompany, support, and inspire young, engaged couples as they prepare for the Sacrament of Marriage. Ideal for those called to accompany others on the journey to the Sacrament of Marriage.

This course is intended for married couples who are preparing to serve, as mentors and facilitators in marriage preparation programs within parish and diocesan settings.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at Dar Nazaret, Ħal Tarxien.

Date and timeSession
8th October 2025Introduction to the course and manual
Assignment explanation
15th October 2025Group dynamics and effective communication
22nd October 2025God and I
The Sacrament of marriage
29th October 2025Towards a healthy sexual life
Planning the family together
5th November 2025Conflict management – Finding common ground on financial decisions, career and family life
Towards a lifetime-lasting marriage
12th November 2025Towards a marriage that gives life: Ethical considerations
Saturday 22nd November 2025 9.30am – 1.00pmAssessment – Presentations
Following monthsCouple shadowing & reflective journal writing

This course has one exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above and they successfully complete all assessments, which are a presentation and a reflective journal.

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly in the use of office suites and of the internet, to both of which they must have access.

Practice in Liturgical Music Animation

26/05/2025

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 will focus on the practice of liturgical music leadership. Each session will include vocal technique training and practical methods for introducing new repertoire to the assembly. Additionally, every session will explore the various parts of the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Active participation from each student—both in singing and directing—is a compulsory component of this course.

Those involved in liturgical animation, or anyone interested in this ministry, to deepen their knowledge and enhance their practical skills in the field.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The Archbishop’s Seminary, Rabat

DateSession
Monday 6th October 2025Practical musical animation for the mass 1
Monday 20th October 2025Practical musical animation for the mass 2
Monday 27th October 2025Practical musical animation for the mass 3
Monday 03th November 2025Practical assembly conducting 1
Monday 10th November 2025Practical assembly conducting 2
Monday 17th November 2025Practical assembly conducting 3

This course has three exit certificate options:

  1. Certificate of Attendance
    The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum 80% of all contact hours for this course.
  2. Certificate of Participation
    The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when sitting and successfully compete and pass the short multiple-choice questions online exam which will be available on the Moodle platform.
  3. Certificate of Achievement
    To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum 80% of all contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam practical and viva session.

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

Parish Volunteering

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 short course offers an engaging introduction to the mission and ministry of volunteering within a Catholic parish. It explores the spiritual foundations, practical responsibilities, and community impact of parish volunteering. Designed for new and prospective volunteers, the course provides an understanding of how their service contributes to the Church’s mission and offers guidance for serving effectively, faithfully, and joyfully.

New or prospective parish volunteers, both youth and adults

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta. Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom.

DateSession
15th September 2025Called to Serve – The Spiritual Heart of Volunteering
22nd September 2025The Life of the Parish – Ministries and Mission
29th September 2025Ethics, Boundaries, and Responsibility
6th October 2025Building Community; Collaboration and finding your place
13th October 2025Formation; Spiritual Growth and Next Steps

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 for this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from reflective journal.

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 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.

Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for General Staff

15/05/2025   Ta' Mlit
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension for General Staff is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 3, as Further Education Programme.

Spirituality is an important aspect of holistic care that is frequently overlooked. This is because of difficulties in conceptualizing spirituality and confusion about how it should be integrated in the care of the elderly. The program seeks to explore what is meant by spirituality and spiritual competent practice. It examines attitudes to spirituality, provides an exploration of the assessment of patients’ spiritual care needs, describes factors that might affect the integration of spirituality into nursing care and offers practical guidance to equip healthcare workers to incorporate spirituality into their practice.

General Staff like domestic staff, chefs, receptionists, maintenance persons and drivers in elderly homes.

This course consists of 10 sessions.

Session 1: Defining Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Healthcare – Competencies in Spiritual Care

Spirituality and spiritual care in health relate to how patients and health professionals seek and express meaning, purpose, connection, value, or transcendence in the context of illness and well-being. A growing body of evidence indicates that spirituality is linked to better health outcomes, patient satisfaction, medical decision-making, and quality of life.

This session will introduce various definitions of spirituality and spiritual care, along with the multidimensional nature of the spiritual field.

Session 2: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Spirituality

Intraperonal Spirituality deals with personal spirituality as to provide spiritual care the healthcare worker must be spiritual him/herself. The student is made aware of the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness to better himself as a person and as a provider of spiritual care. Interpersonal spirituality deals with building a relationship with people through effective communication skills. It refers to a person’s spirituality that acknowledges their unique spiritual and cultural world views evoking feelings of companionship and compassionate care.

Session 3: Spiritual Assessment and Evaluation of Care

In this session, learners are introduced to formal and informal approaches for assessing patients’ spiritual needs, planning appropriate interventions based on available resources, and evaluating whether these needs have been met.

Session 4: Loss, Grief, and Compassion in the Elderly

Learners will explore the inevitable experiences of grief and loss, as well as feelings of isolation in the elderly. Gaining an understanding of the grief process, as described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, will help healthcare workers prevent spiritual distress and provide compassionate care for older adults.

Session 5: Spiritual Care in Elderly Rehabilitation of the Elderly Care

This session will explore the specific spiritual needs of elderly individuals in rehabilitation. It will focus on how healthcare workers can create opportunities for them to engage in creative activities and better confront their feelings of suffering and solitude.

Session 6: Spiritual Care and Mental Health

This session will introduce learners to the various mental health issues that elderly individuals may face and equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to manage and care for them effectively.

Session 7: Spiritual Care in Dementia

This session will introduce learners to dementia in the elderly, providing guidance on managing their care and equipping family members with essential skills to better understand and support their loved ones.

Session 8: The Role of Religion in Spiritual Care for the Elderly

This session will focus on the role of religiosity as an integral aspect of spiritual care.

Session 9: The Sacraments in Different Religions and Spirituality

Learners will explore religious practices across various denominations within society.

Session 10: Case Scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care

This session will present various case scenarios to assess and evaluate learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired throughout the programme, enabling them to apply these effectively when caring for the elderly.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

The course will be held on Tuesdays 9:00am – 11:00am.

DateSession
28th October 2025Defining ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Spiritual Care’ in Healthcare Competencies in spiritual care
4th November 2025Interpersonal and intrapersonal spirituality
11th November 2025Spiritual assessment and evaluation of care
18th November 2025Loss, grief and compassion in the elderly
25th November 2025Spiritual care in the rehabilitation of the elderly
2nd December 2025Spiritual care and mental health
9th December 2025Spiritual care in dementia
13th January 2026The role of religion in spiritual care for the elderly
20th January 2026The Christian Sacraments and other sacred rites in different religions
27th January 2026Case scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care
17th February 2026Exam

This course has one exit certificate option: 

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

  • attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours
  • complete and pass from written examination

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 3

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 3 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension for General Staff is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 3, as Further Education Programme.

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.