Eligible for Get Formed! – Page 3 – Pastoral Formation Institute

Introduction to Catechetical Ministry for Children

21/10/2023

🎁 Limited Time Offer: Complete Modules 1 & 2 by 30th September 2025 at the Certificate of Participation level and receive a 100% refund for those modules! 💸

🔗 Terms and conditions apply – see details here: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed

This blended course is designed to form and support catechists who seek to deepen their understanding of the fundamental tenets of the Catholic Faith in preparation for their service towards their parish. By the end of the course, participants will be familiar with the core theological concepts that underpin catechetical ministry and will be equipped with essential practical skills for effective service in this ministry.

Catechists who minister with children and adolescents.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry

This module provides a basic introduction to Christian theology. Participants will explore fundamental scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical theological concepts that guide the evangelising mission of the Church. By the end of the module, learners will be familiar with the sources of theology and will gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.

This module will be offered entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and on your own schedule.

This module can be applied for and completed on its own. If you wish to take this module separately from Introduction to Catechetical Ministry, please apply here: https://pfi.edu.mt/course/faith-foundation/.

🎁 Limited Time Offer: Complete Modules 1 & 2 by 30th September 2025 at the Certificate of Participation level and receive a 100% refund for those modules! 💸

🔗 Terms and conditions apply – see details here: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed

Module 2 – Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children

This module will enable participants to construct a holistic vision of catechetical ministry, one that responds to contemporary needs, through the exploration of various areas of knowledge and skills essential for the formation of catechetical ministers. These areas include the theoretical and practical aspects of basic catechetical principles, catechetical methodology including lesson planning, exploration of relevant social sciences, and addressing the needs of children with diverse social and/or psychological needs.

This module will be offered entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and on your own schedule.

🎁 Limited Time Offer: Complete Modules 1 & 2 by 30th September 2025 at the Certificate of Participation level and receive a 100% refund for those modules! 💸

🔗 Terms and conditions apply – see details here: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed

Module 3 – Catechetical Ministry for Children

These sessions will be held from 9:30am – 12:00pm

These sessions will be held at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

Date	Session
31st January 2026	L-Għarfien tal-persuni li se nakkumpanjaw Understanding those whom we accompany
28th February 2026	L-Era Diġitali u l-Katekeżi: Aspetti Prattiċi The Digital Era and Catechesis: Practical Aspects
25th April 2026	Il-Kotba Mqaddsa The Sacred Scriptures
23rd May 2026	It-Tagħlim Morali u Soċjali tal-Knisja The Moral and Social Teaching of the Church

Module 4 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

This module delves into the essential principles of safeguarding, focusing on creating safe environments for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. By the module’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 module will be offered in-person. Schedule will be announced at a later stage.

This course has two exit certificate options:

Certificate of Participation

attend all in-person seminars;
pass short multiple-choice online exams, where applicable

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students need to:

attend all in-person seminars;
pass the short multiple-choice online exams, where applicable
and successfully complete a written assignment, where applicable

Final Awards: Introduction to Catechetical Ministry & Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Lifelong Catechesis, and Safeguarding Commission

Digital competences:

Applicants are required to have basic computer literacy, mainly how to access and use an internet browser and use a word processor

Language competences:

The student is required to have at least primary school level of Maltese and English.

Exemptions

Applicants who have an MQF/EQF level 4 (or higher) in Theology or Religious Studies, or have a General Education Award in Evangelisation, will be exempted from Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.

Applicants who have an Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults are exempt from Module 3 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.

Faith Foundations for Ministry

21/10/2023

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 module offers a basic introduction to key themes of the main areas of Christian theology. These include fundamental, scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical theological concepts guiding the evangelising mission of the Church.

By the end of the module the learner will have:

become aware of what the sources of theology are;
gained a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.

This course is intended to form and support adults who wish to become better acquainted with the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith. This course is offered in asynchronous learning mode as a foundation course before applying for other courses offered by the Pastoral Formation Institute.

Adults who do not have an academic theological background and wish to widen their knowledge on the Catholic Faith.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Topic	Lecturer
The Sacred Scriptures	Mr Edward Wright
The Scriptures, Tradition and Magisterium	Mr Edward Wright
The Christian doctrine of God of Jesus Christ	Ms Dorianne Cassar
The Holy Spirit	Dr Dorianne Buttigieg
The Church as the builder of the Kingdom of God	Mr Edward Wright
The Meaning of the Sacraments and the Liturgy	Rev. Stephen Attard
The Catholic Social Teaching of the Church	Rev. Dr Carlo Calleja

Applicants will have access to this material on the PFI`s Moodle Portal. The module is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 15 minutes long. The students will be provided with a username and a password so they can watch these sessions on their own devices. The total number of minutes amounts to 8 hours.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.

This course has two exit certificate options:

Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation need to watch all the online material and successfully complete all the short multiple-choice exams.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students need to:

pass the short multiple-choice online exams;
and successfully complete a written assignment;

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

AFF Level: Level 4

Total Credits: 1 Credit

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

Introduction to Holy Communion

01/01/2023 Online

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/.

Course Description

The course Introduction to the Eucharist is designed to give the extraordinary minister formation and direction for distributing communion during masses and to be a guide to help him/her in taking communion to those who are unable to join the community in person. By the end of this course the student will:

have a basic biblical and theological understanding of the teachings related to the Eucharist.
know the language in which liturgical worship is explicit.
learn most matters concerning the rite of Communion.
learn to appreciate more the sacrament of Holy Communion.
acquire a deeper knowledge of the role of the extraordinary minister.
grasp the spiritual meaning that this role entails

Intended For

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who provide a service during church masses, in residential elderly homes or homebound sick persons.
Those who wish to learn to appreciate more the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Those who are starting their service as extraordinary ministers.

Please Note: Doing this course does not entitle the student to become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Extraordinary ministers are chosen by the pastor of the parish/community.

Curriculum

Part 1: God With Us – Dogmatic Theology

Christian theology on God’s revelation in the Eucharist.
The communitarian dimension of the Eucharist.
Eucharistic miracles around the world.
Re-actualisation – understanding the past, present and future dimensions of the sacraments.
Terminology for the Blessed Sacrament.

Part 2: The Biblical Foundations of the Eucharist

The scriptural perspective of the Church’s teachings on the Eucharist.
The foreshadowing of the Eucharist in the Old Testament.
The Last Supper narratives.
The testimony of St Paul on the Eucharist.
Exegesis.

Part 3: The Eucharist in Daily Life

The role of the extraordinary minister at mass and at home.
The effects of the Eucharist on the community.
Cultivating my relationship with God through the Eucharist.
Way of life of the extraordinary minister.
The spiritual dimension of the role of the Eucharistic minister – testimonials:

Calendar

The course is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 18 minutes long. The student will be provided with a username and a password so s/he can watch these sessions on his/her own device. The total number of minutes amounts to 5-6 hours including the assessment.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment: Multiple choice test after each online session. The pass mark is 60%.

Certificate: Certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all the sessions and pass all the assessments.

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Awarding and Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Entry Requirement

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.

A very well-prepared course – portraying the beauty of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Unfortunately, we tend to take the Eucharist for granted. After following the course, you become more aware of the importance behind this ministry.

Maria Farrugia

It is more than an introduction – it highlights the treasure we have in the Catholic faith of having the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and how honoured we should feel when we are called to share in the eucharistic ministry.

Sr Teresa Tonna

Thank you for this enriching experience. It helped me grow spiritually and gave me the opportunity to look at the sacrament of the eucharist in a profound way.

Melanie Ungaro

Since I work in a church school and I’m directly involved in the spiritual formation of our students I had wanted to do this course. The way it was presented was very convenient to do it at my own time. Found it very informative and interesting

Eugenia Blake

The course has challenged me and also helped me to believe more in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. I also thank the team of PFI.

Sr Rosemary Onyinyechi Akamnonu

I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Lectures were short, to the point & well delivered. Apart from providing me with factual information about the Eucharist, this course has deepened my appreciation and love for the Blessed Sacrament.

Christine Galea