Upon request – Pastoral Formation Institute

Delving Deep into the Gospels – Easter Narratives

27/11/2024

This course invites participants to embark on a journey into the profound teachings and life of Jesus Christ as presented in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. By immersing yourself in the rich historical and cultural contexts of these sacred texts, you will uncover the wisdom they convey and appreciate their diverse literary forms and structures.

Far from being solely an intellectual endeavour, this exploration is also a deeply spiritual practice. Participants will engage in moments of quiet contemplation, opening their hearts and minds to the messages within. Insights from biblical scholars will deepen understanding, while group discussions provide an opportunity to share reflections and gain diverse perspectives, illuminating new dimensions of the Gospel teachings.

The course aims to foster a profound connection with the spiritual truths of the Christian faith. It seeks to nurture inner growth and encourage participants to integrate the Gospel’s transformative guidance into everyday life. Through reflective and meditative engagement, you will be inspired to embody the love, compassion, and wisdom exemplified by Jesus Christ, allowing these qualities to shape your life and actions.

Whether you are new to the study of the Gospels or looking to deepen your understanding, this course provides a space for meaningful exploration and personal spiritual growth.

Pastoral Workers involved in Ministry of the Word.
Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of the scripture.

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

Date	Session
23rd April 2025	The Appearance to Mary of Magdala
30th April 2025	The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus
7th May 2025	The Appearance to the Disciples in Jerusalem
14th May 2025	Thomas
21st May 2025	The Appearance to the Seven Disciples

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 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 AI in Pastoral Settings: Tools and Practices for Priests

27/11/2024

This course aims to equip individuals working in pastoral contexts with the knowledge and skills needed to utilize AI tools effectively. Designed for those with little to no prior knowledge of AI, the course provides a basic understanding of AI systems, their potential applications, and best practices for implementation in pastoral work. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of how AI tools and systems function, an awareness of the positive and negative aspects of such tools, and an understanding of the Church’s position on AI. They will also develop the ability to critically assess which contexts might benefit from introducing AI tools and which would not, as well as gain awareness of some AI tools that might prove useful in pastoral work.

Priests
Religious

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 10:00am to 12:30pm

Date	Session
27th January 2025	What is AI? What is the Church’s position on AI?
3rd February 2025	Helpful AI tools and how to make use of them

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.

The Narrative Approach to Reading the Gospel of Luke

19/08/2024

Among the three Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel according to Luke contains the most unique material, written by an author with an excellent command of koiné Greek (New Testament Greek) and a clearly well-educated background. The result is a work of sublime beauty, not only from a theological perspective but also from a literary and narrative one.

Rather than using a more classic historical-critical method, this course will explore this Gospel through a synchronic, narrative approach. To better immerse themselves in this methodology, students will be expected to prepare their own brief analysis of different pericopes (as indicated by the lecturer) for class discussion in each session.

Students will leave this course not only with a greater awareness of the content, style, and message of the Gospel according to Luke, but also having acquired a new methodology for Scriptural interpretation. Above all, they will have deepened their passion for Christ present in the Word.

To be eligible for this course, participants must have completed the ‘Introduction to Sacred Scriptures’ and ‘Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels’ PFI courses at Certificate of Participation level or higher or hold at least an equivalent AFF/MQF Level 4 or higher qualification. Please upload a copy of your relevant certification with the application form.

Pastoral Workers involved in Ministry of the Word.
Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, already have some experience in the formal study of the New Testament.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Date	Session
8th January 2025	Introduction to the Narrative Approach (Lk 8:22-25)
15th January 2025	The Quinary Scheme (Lk 15:11-32)
22nd January 2025	Plot of Resolution vs Plot of Revelation (Lk 5:1-11)
29th January 2025	Characters (Lk 10:25-37)
5th February 2025	Point-of-View (Lk 19:1-10)

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. 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 demonstrating a minimum of brief preparatory work prior to each lecture:

Before coming to class, students will be asked to read a pericope as well as a relevant commentary (provided by the lecturer). Their preparation will be demonstrated by writing a few sentences on or highlighting & briefly annotating the Scriptural passage of interest, then uploading this work to the VLE before the session when work must be presented.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must satisfy the awarding criteria for a Certificate of Participation as well as pass from a short written assignment.

Knowledge: A familiarity with the major scholastic themes in the study of the Synoptic Gospels.

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.

(EN) Emotional Support In The Community: Basic Skills for Pastoral Workers

03/07/2024

For the version in Maltese, please refer to: https://pfi.edu.mt/course/emotional-support/.

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 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.

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

This course will be offered in English, for the version in Maltese here: https://pfi.edu.mt/course/emotional-support/

Date	Session
11th November 2024	Learning how to listen, contain and validate feelings
18th November 2024	Learning how to empathise while keeping healthy boundaries
25th November 2024	Learning how to support others emotionally as a pastoral worker/non-professional
2nd December 2024	How to support others spiritually as a pastoral worker/non-professional
9th December 2024	Learning when, where and how to refer someone to professional help

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;

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 English.

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

Foundations of Spiritual Discernment

12/06/2024

Inspired by Pope Francis and his profound connection to Ignatian spirituality, this course provides an introduction to the essential practice of spiritual discernment. Recognizing the significant role of discernment in the life of the Church and in personal spiritual journeys, this course is designed for those new to the concept. The course does not aim to cover a vast array of content but rather focuses on equipping participants with the basic tools and understanding necessary for further study. Ultimately, the primary objective is to nurture the development of discerning hearts, fostering an ability to navigate life’s complexities with spiritual insight and wisdom.

Individuals with limited or no experience in spiritual direction or discernment
Christians dedicated to continual growth in their relationship with God
Pastoral workers involved in general ministry

Students without a background in theology or spirituality are strongly encouraged to complete the PFI course ‘Introduction to Prayer’ before enrolling in this course.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Date	Session
19th February 2025	What’s the destination?
26th February 2025	Who are we discerning with?
5th March 2025	Levels of discernment
12th March 2025	Consolation and Desolation
26th March 2025	Defending ourselves

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.

Students without a background in theology or spirituality are strongly encouraged to complete the PFI course ‘Introduction to Prayer’ before enrolling in this course.

Introduction to AI in Pastoral Settings: Tools and Practices

23/05/2024

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/.

Pastoral Workers
Priests
Religious

And other individuals interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Date	Session
1st March 2025	What is AI? What is the Church’s position on AI?
8th March 2025	Helpful AI tools and how to make use of them

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.

Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels

23/05/2024

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 explores the Synoptic Gospels—Mark, Matthew, and Luke—which are often studied together due to their common heritage. In contrast, the Gospel of John belongs to a markedly different tradition and emerged later.

Students will delve into the history and character of these Synoptic Gospels, gaining an appreciation for the styles and themes that are both common and unique to each. This knowledge will be applied through systematic analysis of relevant passages from these three Gospels.

By integrating the content and skills acquired during this course, students will be able to interpret Synoptic passages with greater depth, meaning, and accuracy. They will also learn to recognise and avoid common errors in Scriptural interpretation. Above all, students will grow in their passion for Christ as revealed in the Word.

Pastoral Workers involved in Ministry of the Word.
Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of the scripture.

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

Date	Session
6th November 2024	Gospel According to Mark
13th November 2024	Gospel According to Matthew
20th November 2024	Gospel According to Luke
27th November 2024	The Two-Source Hypothesis
4th December 2024	The Two-Source Hypothesis (Application)

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.

Expressions of Personal Prayer

23/05/2024

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 acquaints students with the more common expressions of prayer within the Catholic Church, exploring their origins, strengths, limitations, and appropriate contexts. By internalising this knowledge, students will be motivated and equipped to advance in their own prayer journey and to guide communal moments of prayer effectively.

To be eligible for this course, participants must have completed the ‘Introduction to Prayer’ course or possess at least an MQF Level 4 qualification in religion or theology. Please upload a copy of your relevant certification with the application form.

Pastoral Workers involved in general ministry.
Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of prayer.

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

Date	Session
15th January 2025	Praying with Nature and Music
22nd January 2025	Praying with Art
29th January 2025	Praying with Scripture
5th February 2025	Devotional Prayer
12th February 2025	Praying Like the Saints

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.

Praying With Icons

23/05/2024

This course offers students an exploration of Christian iconography, focusing on its origins, development, and significance, particularly within the Eastern Churches. Through a detailed study of historical contexts and theological foundations, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the struggles and growth that shaped Christian iconography.

Participants will learn the process and purpose behind the creation and use of icons, discovering how these sacred images serve as profound spiritual tools. By integrating this knowledge, students will be equipped to incorporate Christian iconography into their personal and communal faith journeys, enhancing their spiritual lives and deepening their appreciation for this rich tradition.

Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of iconography.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom for sessions 1, 3 & 4. Session 2* will be offered only in-person, at Villa San Filep, Ħaż-Żebbuġ.

Date	Session
30th September 2024	Introduction and the History of Icons
7th October 2024*	The Writing of Icons
14th October 2024	Reading Icons 1
21st October 2024	Reading Icons 2

This course has three 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 Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and after passing a short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

Introduction to Sacred Scriptures

16/05/2024

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 Bible is not a single work, but a library of books that, while sharing the same divine authorship, differ greatly in their styles, history, cultural background, themes, and interpretation.

Through this course, students can expect to develop a basic understanding of why and how the Bible came to be, considering its different sources, transmission, redaction, consolidation, and intentions.

By integrating their newly acquired knowledge of the Bible’s history and the roles of divine inspiration and human cooperation in its creation, students will be able to interpret Biblical passages with greater depth, meaning, and truth. They will also learn to recognize and avoid common errors in Scriptural interpretation. Above all, they will grow in their passion for God as present in His Word.

Pastoral Workers involved in the Ministry of the Word.
Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of Sacred Scripture.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Date	Session
25th September 2024	Canonicity
2nd October 2024	Inspiration
9th October 2024	History of the Old Testament
16th October 2024	History of the New Testament
23rd October 2024	Hermeneutics

This course has three 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 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

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