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Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

Safeguarding Others
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The intended learning outcomes:

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

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 33%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

  • Employees who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Employees who handle children and vulnerable adults` data
  • Volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Volunteers who handle children and vulnerable adults` data.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
SGC4001Blended Learning1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

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

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal.

February 2024
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person17th February 2024Archbishop`s Curia, Floriana
Recorded Material17th – 26th February 2024Recorded Videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam26th February 2024Monday 4th March 2024
Reflective Journal26th February 2024Monday 26th March 2024

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be rewarded to students who have:

  • attended in-person session
  • watched all the recorded material
  • and did not submit any course assessments.
  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation* will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple choice test. (please check the calendar tab above for exam dates)

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

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

  • meet the attendance criteria
  • sit and pass the short multiple-choice online exam (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

*To obtain a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Participation, a student must; attend all the contact hours and successfully conclude the assessment/s.

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

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 Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

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.


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.

Introduction to Mariology

  Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Mariology

This course aims to provide theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church. The sessions will start by analysing the portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Holy Scriptures and Marian devotion in the early Church. The course will explore the development of the Marian dogmas and the devotion to Mary in the Eastern traditions. The course will also treat the way Mary as Mother of the Church is presented in Vatican Council II and the subsequent Mariological documents by the Popes in the last fifty years. The sessions will proceed to focus on the beautiful rendering of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Art and the manifold references to the Mother of God in Maltese poetry. In conclusion, the course will reflect on Mary as one of the most important figures in Christianity as a role model for all women. 


If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 15%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

All who wish to enrich their theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church. 

Target Audience`s Age: 18+
Session Format

This course will be delivered over 15 lectures, each lecture covering a different aspect of Mariology. The themes which will be covered are:

  • The portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Old Testament
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Gospel of John
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary and the early Church Fathers
  • The four Marian dogmas
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Oriental traditions (Catholics and Orthodox)
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Liturgy
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Second Vatican Council
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Papal Magisterium of the last sixty years
  • Marian Spirituality
  • Portrayals of the Virgin Mary in Films
  • Marian Art in foreign countries
  • Marian Art in Malta
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in Maltese poetry
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary and woman in the Church

Please note that these themes will not necessarily be delivered in this particular order.


Session Format

Lectures will be on Mondays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 15th January 2024


MonthDays
January15th, 22nd & 29th
February5th, 19th & 26th
March4th, 11th & 18th
April8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
May6th & 13th

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

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

  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria* and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice tests. 

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

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

  • meet the attendance criteria*
  • sit and pass the short multiple-choice tests (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment.

Final Award: Certificate in Introduction to Mariology

Teaching & Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Five months part-time course

Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.

Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to evaluate 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.

An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

  Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta

The course aims to provide theological knowledge regarding the Catholic belief in the Holy Spirit as it developed throughout the centuries and lived in various aspects of ecclesial life. The course starts by analysing scripture references to the Holy Spirit and explores the development of the theology of the Holy Spirit from the Church Fathers to contemporary theology. The course also illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit in liturgy, ecclesial life and communal discernment, and concludes by analysing how the Holy Spirit is expressed in art.


If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 15%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

People who wish to enrich their spirituality by learning more about the third person of the Holy Trinity.

Target Audience`s Age: 18+

This course delves into four main areas:

  1. The Holy Spirit in Scriptures
  2. Patristic and Dogmatic Theology of the Holy Spirit
  3. Holy Spirit in Liturgy
  4. Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
Session Format

Lectures will be on Wednesdays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 10th January 2024


MonthDays
January10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st
February7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
March6th, 13th & 20th
April10th, 17th & 24th
May8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
June5th

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

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

  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria* and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice tests. 

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

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

  • meet the attendance criteria*
  • sit and pass the short multiple-choice tests (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment of at least 1000-1500 words.

Final Award: Certificate in An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Four months part-time course

Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.

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.

Pastoral Initiatives in Lent

The participants will engage in preparations for the imminent Lenten season, during which the Diakonia, spiritual, and cultural dimensions of this significant period in the Church will be emphasized and explored. This preparation aims to equip and enrich them for their pastoral roles in their respective parishes and communities, enabling them to guide others effectively on their journey during this special time of grace.

Upon acquiring new insights and skills, participants will be encouraged to collaborate with their parish priests in organizing and planning a schedule for Lent for their respective groups. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure a well-rounded and meaningful Lenten experience for the parish community, incorporating elements of Diakonia, spirituality, and culture to foster a deeper connection with the season’s spiritual significance.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 50% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi.

  • Pastoral Workers, especially those involved in decision-making bodies.
  • Religious people and Priests
  • Individuals interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DateSession
10th January 2023Culture in Lent
17th January 2023Spirituality in Lent
24th January 2023Diakonia & Prayer Experiences

This course has two 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. 

  1. Certificate of Achievement  

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

  • attend a minimum 80% of all contact hours
  • pass written assessment

Language: Applicants must be fluent in Maltese and have basic proficiency in English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate, especially on how to access the internet and use office suites.

Introduction to Parish Ministry

Introduction to Parish Ministry

“If the parish proves capable of self-renewal and constant adaptivity, it continues to be ‘the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters”

Pope Francis.

Throughout this course, participants will explore the parish as a significant symbol of God’s presence in our community. The course will start by delving into the contemporary reality of today’s parish. Participants will then proceed to learn about the different roles within the Church; identifying the decision-making bodies of the Church and different ministries in a parish, highlighting the importance of everyone’s participation. This will include a discussion on effective teamwork and service to others. Attendees will then be introduced to the principles of communal discernment, examining its definition, tools, and practical applications. The course will conclude by presenting a model of communal discernment, elucidating the different roles within it, and outlining the composition of discerning groups.

Specifically tailored for those actively involved in parish ministry, the course seeks to inspire a deeper commitment to the renewal of parishes, aligning them as vibrant evangelizing entities in today’s society, guided by recent teachings on parish life.


If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 57% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi.

  • Pastoral Workers, especially those involved in decision-making bodies.
  • Individuals interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 19+

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

DatesSession
31st January 2024Today’s Parish – What is a Parish?
7th February 2024The different roles in the Church & Ministries in a Parish
21st February 2024Executive and decision-making bodies in a Parish
28th February 2024What is communal discernment? What are the tools used?
6th March 2024A discerning method

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificates 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 attending a minimum 80% of all
contact hours for this course and passing from short multiple-choice online exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement
The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when:

  • attending a minimum 80% of all contact hours
  • passing short multiple-choice online exam and written assessment

Language: Applicants are required have an understanding of Maltese and be fluent in English.
Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate especially, in office suites.

Introduction to Diakonia

Introduction to Diakonia

This course will explore the roots of Diakonia in; Sacred Scripture and early Christian communities. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the relationship between Diakonia, faith and prayer whilst delving into key areas of Catholic Social Teaching. Participants will also examine the evolution of Diakonia in Malta and learn about available services.


If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 38% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

This course is intended for:

  • Individuals who are already involved in Diakonia and wish to deepen their involvement in it.
  • Individuals who are interested in becoming involved in Diakonia.
  • Individuals who are interested in offering Diakonia-related services through a Church entity that they form part of.

N.B. completing this course does not entitle the student to automatically become a pastoral operator engaged in Djakonija within any specific parish. Such appointments are made at the discretion of the Parish Priest/Chaplain of the respective Parish/community.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The following topics will be explored:

  1. Biblical meaning of the word Diakonia and the word in the Old Testament;
  2. Djakonija in the New Testament with special reference to Acts;
  3. Djakonija in the first communities – the link between kerygma, koinonia, diakonia and liturgia;
  4. Personal prayer life leads me to Diakonia;
  5. The link between faith and life is one of the cornerstones of Christian theology and can be described in a variety of ways. For St Paul, “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”;
  6. Evangelisation, djakonija and the digital age;
  7. Malta’s reality has changed – what are today’s sociological ‘pains’?;
  8. The Preferential Option for the Poor & the four pillars of Catholic social teaching; human dignity common good, subsidiarity and solidarity;
  9. How the Church in Malta was a pioneer in the Diakonia sector;
  10. What Diakonia services are being offered today? What are the different types of professionals working in this field?

This course has three exit certificate options: 

Certificate of Participation

will be awarded to students that pass from short multiple-choice exam on each topic.

Certificate of Achievement

will be awarded to students that pass from short multiple-choice exam on each topic and pass from written assessment.

Qualifications

The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language Competence

A primary level understanding of Maltese and English is required.

Digital Competence

Ability to access the internet and use a word processor is required.

Every application will be considered on its individual merits and evaluated on the basis of academic potential.

Award in Introduction to Mixed Migration

Migration is a reality that affects everyone in our societies. It is a subject of intense debate, yet often little is known about the complex realities migrants experience. The course, offered in collaboration with the Migrants Commission, will introduce participants to the realities of migration, with a particular focus on mixed and forced migration. The fundamental aim of this course is to make the process of addressing migration-related issues become one rooted in hospitality rather than fear, guided by the Roman Catholic tradition and its teachings, with an emphasis on nurturing a culture of encounter.

• Professionals working with migrants and need specialised knowledge to better serve the people they work with.
• Others interested to work in the field of migration, human rights and humanitarian work.

Target Audience`s Age: 19+

Lectures will be held on Mondays from 17:00 to 20:00

DateSession
5th February 2024Introduction and Definitions: Foundation Basics
12th February 2024Human Rights Perspective
19th February 2024Globalisation and International Development
26th February 2024Security Perspective
4th March 2024Social Justice Perspective

SESSION 1: INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS: FOUNDATION BASICS

In this session, participants will acquire an understanding of the fundamental terminology employed in the context of access to benefits and services, particularly in relation to one’s protection status or lack thereof. The session will delve into the key factors compelling individuals to migrate, eligibility for lodging an asylum claim, and the criteria distinguishing a claim for International Protection from other claims. Participants will engage in a discussion of the following questions to explore these areas:

  1. Why is it essential to comprehend these definitions?
  2. Why do these definitions frequently face disputes or challenges?
  3. What are the historical or foundational roots of these definitions?

International and national protection statuses are granted based on specific criteria, and they may not encompass all the reasons prompting individuals to seek safety from harm. These definitions often give rise to contentious debates due to their significant implications for people’s lives, sometimes resulting in adverse consequences. For example:

  • Who qualifies for protection, and what are the five grounds for international protection?
  • Is family reunification an automatic process?
  • Can fleeing from the dire consequences of climate change, including droughts, economic hardship, and poverty, be considered grounds for protection?

SESSION 2: HUMAN RIGHTS PERSPECTIVE 

In this session, participants will delve into the Human Rights perspective, emphasizing that Human Rights are universal, yet real-world human rights violations remain prevalent. It is noteworthy that policies and practices related to migration often run counter to established human rights standards. The concept of the “right to have rights” is frequently a subject of debate, with rights even being called into question by the very politicians responsible for ensuring them. Civil society organizations anchor their efforts in a rights-based approach, upholding the binding agreements to which States have committed. Nonetheless, fundamental rights are systematically denied to migrants and asylum seekers, even within the broader European Union. This raises the question: are the European Convention on Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (CFR) genuinely binding, or are they merely ideals?

Furthermore, we need to contextualize the Rights-Based Approach and the expectations it generates within the contemporary landscape of transnational social connections, diaspora communities, and the digitalized world we now inhabit, where relationships are no longer confined by national borders or identities. We will also discuss the “Paris Syndrome” in relation to the topics mentioned and the necessity of distinguishing between ensuring access to rights for all and acknowledging the expectations and realities faced by migrant individuals, including asylum seekers, upon their arrival in the European Union. As a case study, we will present and discuss the issue of unaccompanied children regularly going missing within the European Union, underscoring these troubling contradictions.

SESSION 3: GLOBALISATION and INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Understanding the intricate historical context is paramount for interpreting present geopolitical scenarios and contemplating future predictions that carry a grim outlook. For example, it is projected that by 2050, an additional two million people will require food, signifying a 56% increase from 2010. Furthermore, 40% of the Earth’s land is arid, and rising temperatures are set to exacerbate this issue, rendering entire regions, like the Sahel, uninhabitable. This is a significant driving force behind the ongoing land acquisitions, whether by nations or billionaires. Although climate change is not yet recognized as grounds for international protection, it is widely anticipated to be a major catalyst for future wars, forced displacement, and migration, and this could unfold within our own lifetimes. The ongoing ravages of wars further contribute to these already catastrophic scenarios.

In this session, we will explore the interconnectedness of climate change, food (and water) security, and conflicts, drawing examples from Darfur, Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine. We will also briefly touch on International Development thinking from the migration perspective, underscoring the often overlooked and missed opportunities presented by diaspora communities. We will discuss our own experience of emigration as Maltese, serving as a case in point.

The UN Secretary-General’s Report “Our Common Agenda,” published in 2021, highlights the breakdown of trust at both the local and international levels as a major area of concern. Commitment 6 seeks to address this by urging the international community to commit to building trust. While the report primarily focuses on international relations, it also underscores trust as a shared underlying issue at the national level. Commitment 6 places emphasis on “envisioning the future together,” aligning with Pope Francis’ chosen theme for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees 2023.

Participants will also gain insight into the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific focus on SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities among populations, with particular reference to migrant communities, and underscores the need to strengthen community ties for resilient futures.

SESSION 4: SECURITY PERSPECTIVE

In the past decade or so, the discourse surrounding security has taken centre stage in public discussions, with politicians and far-right groups often employing it as the dominant narrative when addressing migrants, especially asylum seekers attempting to reach European countries. Regrettably, this narrative frequently dehumanizes migrants. While security issues are undeniably important and legitimate threats exist, the evidence indicates that the direct link between individuals seeking international protection and security threats is often more populistic than evidence-based. Such discourse is often underpinned by racist and racialized arguments, as well as xenophobic sentiments influenced by a form of “orientalism.”

While national security is undoubtedly a valid concern, the question arises: are those arriving by boat truly a threat? The European Union has faced criticism for evolving into a ‘Fortress Europe’ in many respects, one of which is adopting a more defensive approach to border management. In this session, we will investigate the genuine threats to both national and European security. We will also explore whether irregular migration is indeed the core threat or if it is a convenient scapegoat that politicians employ within the broader context of geopolitical conflicts and trade negotiations.

SESSION 5: SOCIAL JUSTICE PERSPECTIVE

In this session, participants will explore the longstanding tradition of Roman Catholic Church social teachings, which encompass ways of welcoming and integrating migrant and refugee communities, as well as all minority groups. These teachings underscore the responsibilities that societies, communities, and their cultures bear towards these communities, and they provide insights into what integration should entail from a Roman Catholic perspective.

Throughout this session, participants will gain an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and the concept of Integral Human Development, and why Pope Francis places such importance on it. This session will also acquaint participants with Catholic Social Teaching as it pertains to migrants and refugees, with a focus on specific circumstances within the Maltese context. Moreover, participants will engage in discussions about the significance of Catholic Social Teaching and how it can be applied at a pastoral level.

This section of the course will also provide a more in-depth exploration of the concept of ‘Integral Human Development’ and its evolution as a concept deeply rooted in the Magisterium of Vatican Council II and as developed by Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis. Participants will come to understand how Justice underpins these teachings and shapes the relationships we are called to establish and nurture. Catholic Social Teaching, with its emphasis on Integral Human Development, informs Christians about our existential role and purpose on this planet: to become stewards of the Earth and of each other.

During this session, participants will learn about issues such as climate change, economic justice, food security, and how these intersect with forced migration. It will be highlighted that it is a mistake to view these issues as separate problems. Justice (and Truth) serves as the common root problem from which solutions can be derived.

Furthermore, participants will explore the specifics of providing pastoral care for migrants and refugees through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, while employing the concept of intersectionality as a tool and approach. We will discuss how the notion of ‘Integral Human Development’ can help individuals appreciate the inherent interconnections that are inevitable for the human person.

There are TWO exit certificate options:

 Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students that attend at least 80% of all contact hours for this course. 

Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students that attend at least 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from written assessment.

CPD for Diakonia Pastoral Workers (2023/24)

  TBA

This course aims to assist individuals engaged in the Diakonia sector of a parish in connecting their work to their spiritual journey. Participants will also gain fundamental skills in addressing mental health issues and familiarize themselves with the latest guidelines provided for pastoral workers involved in the Diakonia ministry.


If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 100%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

  • Pastoral operators, staff, or volunteers who work in the Diakonia ministry
  • People interested in this ministry

Target Audience Age: 18+

Please Note: Following this course does not entitle the student to become automatically a pastoral worker involved in Diakonia in any given parish. Pastoral workers involved in Diakonia are chosen by the pastor of the parish/community. 

DateSession TitleMode of Delivery
17th OctoberIntroductionRecorded Video
November 2023- January 2024The poor and social justice in relation to our spiritual life  Recorded Videos
30th January 2024In-person seminar 18:00 – 20:00
February – April 2024Understanding basic mental health issuesRecorded Videos
30th April 2024In-person seminar18:00 – 20:00
May – June 2024New Guidelines for Pastoral WorkersRecorded Videos
18th June 2024In-person seminar 18:00 – 20:00
Duration:  9 hours
Certification:  

Certificate of Attendance

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

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet.