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Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for Healthcare Professionals

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 in Elderly Care for Healthcare Professionals is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as Further 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. €87.50 will be refunded for this course).

Spirituality is an important aspect of holistic care that is frequently overlooked. This study unit seeks to critically discuss the importance of integrating the spiritual dimension of care in the care of the elderly, while identifying the difficulties in conceptualising spirituality/religiosity in elderly care. The programme aims to explore implementation models, theories, and frameworks in competencies for spiritual care, with a particular focus on the EPICC European standard in core competencies in spiritual care (2016-2019). It seeks to explain the theoretical and practical underpinnings of effective leadership, expertise, and collaborative approaches to equip healthcare providers to effectively incorporate spirituality into their practice.

Professionals, mainly nurses, working in elderly care settings

Target Audience Age: 19+

This course consists of 11 in-person sessions

Self-Study Hours: 75

Contact Hours: 25

Assessment Hours: 25

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

Debate continues over defining and exploring the concept of spirituality and its relationship with religion. The concepts are often used interchangeably, yet they are distinct, as nurses can provide spiritual care even in the absence of a belief system. Despite the complexity of the spiritual dimension of care and the lack of an agreed-upon definition, nurses are expected to address this aspect of care. Literature generally considers spiritual care an integral aspect of nurses’ practice, giving them a clear and legitimate role in diagnosing the spiritual and religious needs that affect care (Baldacchino, 2009).

Spirituality and spiritual care in health are related to how patients and health professionals seek and express meaning, purpose, connection, value, or transcendence in the context of illness and health. There is a growing body of evidence showing that spirituality is linked to better health outcomes, patient satisfaction, medical decision-making, and quality of life. This session aims to introduce and debate the various definitions of spirituality and spiritual care, as well as the multidimensional spiritual field.

Session 2: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Spirituality

Interpersonal and intrapersonal spirituality play integral roles in providing patient-centred care. Understanding and addressing the spiritual dimensions of healthcare contribute to a more compassionate, culturally sensitive, and holistic approach to patient well-being.

Interpersonal spirituality in elderly patient care involves:

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Effective communication and empathy
  • Collaboration with Spiritual Care Providers
  • Addressing Ethical Dilemmas


Intrapersonal spirituality deals with:

  • Self-Reflection and Awareness
  • Preventing Burnout
  • Enhancing Empathy and Compassion
  • Ethical Decision-Making
  • Modelling Holistic Well-being


This session aims to critically analyse the importance of these concepts in elderly care.

Session 3: Spiritual Assessment and Evaluation of Care

There is general agreement that identifying and responding to spiritual needs is the responsibility of every worker. Research in spiritual care shows the emergence of several tools designed to measure and rate quantitatively or qualitatively the client’s spirituality, spiritual distress, and spiritual coping. The SCCS tool (McSherry, 2012) is effective in assessing spiritual care competencies in nurses. In this session, the learner is introduced to formal and informal approaches to assess patients’ spiritual needs, plan for necessary interventions based on the available resources, and evaluate whether the patients’ needs were met.

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

Loss, grief, and compassion in elderly care are essential to equip healthcare professionals and caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to support elderly individuals and their families during challenging times.

The aim of this session is to provide an understanding of loss and grief, namely:

  • Define types of loss (physical, cognitive, social, etc.)
  • Understand the grieving process and its individual variations; normalising grief as a natural response to loss
  • Discuss common losses in ageing
  • Recognise the cultural and spiritual perspectives of loss

Session 5: Spiritual Care in Elderly Rehabilitation

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Spiritual care is an integral component of the rehabilitation process for elderly individuals. It involves addressing the spiritual and existential needs of the person, recognising the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Incorporating spiritual care into rehabilitation contributes to a more holistic and person-centred approach. This session will discuss the spiritual needs specifically of the elderly who are in rehabilitation, namely:

  • Finding effective ways to work with hospitalised older adults
  • Identifying support and coping strategies to enhance inner peace, meaning, and resilience in confronting changes and hardships

Learners will explore ways in which healthcare workers can assist patients to be creative and better confront their feelings of suffering and solitude.

Session 6: Spiritual Care and Mental Health

Spirituality plays a significant role in mental health, and many individuals find solace, support, and meaning in their spiritual beliefs and practices. The relationship between spirituality and mental health is complex and multifaceted, and it can vary greatly from person to person. This session will discuss the various complex mental health issues that elderly individuals may encounter and provide skills that may assist healthcare workers in managing and caring for the elderly to help them find solace, support, and meaning through their spirituality.

Session 7: Spiritual Care in Dementia

This session will seek to critically discuss the myths related to spirituality and dementia in different cultural contexts. It will also describe the experiences and importance of spirituality from the perspectives of persons living with dementia, and formal and informal caregivers. Moreover, the challenges and potential solutions of providing spiritual care to persons living with dementia will be identified. Finally, the role of religious communities in creating dementia-friendly churches will be discussed.

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

Religion can play a significant role in providing spiritual care for the elderly. As individuals age, they often confront questions about the meaning of life, mortality, and the purpose of their existence. Religious beliefs and practices can offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of connection to something greater, providing a framework for understanding and navigating these existential concerns.

This session will focus on religion, which is integral to spiritual care. It will discuss the diversity of religious beliefs and practices among the elderly population and emphasize the importance of being inclusive and culturally sensitive in delivering spiritual care

Session 9: The Sacraments in Different Religions and Spirituality

The Roman Catholic Church defines a sacrament as “an outward sign of an inward (invisible) grace, instituted by Jesus Christ.” Although various world religions do not agree on the nature and number of sacraments, nor do they necessarily call them as such, they concur that there are important rituals that initiate individuals into the community and enable them to grow spiritually. All cultures and religions celebrate significant rites of passage throughout life’s events. These rituals recognise important events in the lives of both individuals and the community. This session will discuss the religious practices of various denominations and their importance in holistic elderly care.

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

This session will present different case scenarios to assess and evaluate the learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired during the programme, to apply when caring for the elderly.

Session 11: Seminar ‘Spirituality in Everyday Elderly Care Practice’

The course will be held on Tuesdays from 9:30am – 11:30am

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

October 2024

DateSession
8th October 2024Defining ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Spiritual Care’ in Healthcare
Competencies in spiritual care
15th October 2024Interpersonal and intrapersonal spirituality
22nd October 2024Spiritual assessment and evaluation of care
29th October 2024Loss, grief and compassion in the elderly

November 2024

DateSession
5th November 2024Spiritual care in the rehabilitation of the elderly
12th November 2024Spiritual care and mental health
19th November 2024Spiritual care in dementia
26th November 2024The role of religion in spiritual care for the elderly

December 2024

DateSession
3rd December 2024The sacraments in different religions and spirituality
10th December 2024Case scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of elderly care

January 2025

DateSession
14th January 2025
9:30am – 2:30pm
Seminar: ‘Spirituality in Everyday Elderly Care Practice’

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 assignment and presentation

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 7

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 5 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 in Elderly Care for Healthcare Professionals is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as Further Education Programme.

Funding
Students completing the Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for Healthcare Professionals can apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €87.50 will be refunded back for this course).

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

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

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

Award in Helping Skills for Educators

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Helping Skills for Educators is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 6, as Further Education Programme.

The teaching profession entails a myriad of daily responsibilities both in and out of school hours, often leaving educators with little time for self-reflection. While the primary focus is on students’ well-being and academic success, this course offers educators the opportunity to learn how to prioritize their own well-being through self-care and self-awareness, thereby empowering them to better understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence their interactions with students and colleagues. Participants will explore new methods of self-care, including effective emotional management techniques. These skills will enable them to nurture their professional relationships with students and colleagues while effectively managing stress.

By the end of the course, participants will:

  • Develop self-awareness and resilience.
  • Learn to detach emotions from students’ behavior.
  • Gain assertiveness skills.
  • Appreciate the importance of self-care.
  • Members of the school’s Senior Management Team
  • Head of Departments
  • Educators (Teachers, Kindergarten Educators, Learning Support Educators – LSEs)
Target Audience’s Age: 18+

Session 1: Cultivating emotional intelligence as a profession

Teachers can foster an effective learning environment by aiming to enhance their students’ knowledge and skills across various disciplines and talents. Educators with high emotional intelligence are more attuned to their students’ behavioural and psychological well-being, enabling them to address disruptive behaviours, monitor academic progress, and nurture interpersonal relationships effectively. They become adept at navigating the myriad challenges children face.

Throughout this session, teachers will develop emotional intelligence by monitoring their emotions, observing their behaviour, and taking responsibility for their feelings. They challenge the status quo in line with their convictions, recognize their emotional triggers, become more attuned to their sources of inspiration, and anticipate their emotional responses as they enhance their emotional intelligence. This process is facilitated by their trust in their intuition.

Session 2: Reflective practice as a tool to understand the teaching relationship with student


Reflecting on teaching can help educators understand how their students learn best and hold themselves accountable for their growth. By evaluating the strengths and weaknesses in their teaching, teachers gain insight into the factors that facilitate or hinder learning.

The reflection process also aids educators in gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their teaching methods. Through self-questioning and self-assessment, teachers identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Reflection enables educators to recognize how they have contributed to others’ achievements and how this translates into practical learning scenarios.

Session 3: Connecting with students and understanding their emotions

Most teachers aim to foster strong connections with their students, yet it’s essential to maintain a balanced teacher-student relationship. This relationship is cultivated when a teacher attunes to the classroom atmosphere, discerns why students react differently, and identifies the most effective learning strategies for each individual. Such awareness enables teachers to focus on their teaching effectively.

Dealing with conflicts becomes more fruitful when students feel acknowledged and valued by their teacher, fostering an environment where they can openly discuss their concerns without fear of embarrassment or exclusion. Learning from mistakes is most effective in an environment where students feel safe and supported.

Teachers come to understand that students’ behaviour often reflects their own emotions rather than being a direct response to the teacher. This session aims to help teachers gain deeper insights into their students and maintain professional boundaries, thus avoiding personal entanglements with their students’ emotions.

Session 4: Maintaining practical strategies to manage anxiety and stress as an educator


Teaching is undeniably a demanding profession, requiring teachers to be emotionally resilient in order to support their students’ mental well-being effectively. The nature of the job entails standing in front of a classroom for extended periods, often bringing work home, and being evaluated based on criteria that may feel beyond one’s control. These challenges can be taxing for all educators, particularly those grappling with anxiety.

Through self-awareness, teachers begin to identify stressors in the classroom and gain insights into managing anxiety. This session aims to equip educators with healthy coping mechanisms to navigate the demands of their profession more effectively.

Session 5: Assertiveness skills – How and when to be assertive

There are certain characteristics commonly found in teachers who employ assertive skills, which may need to be cultivated even if they are not innate to the teacher’s personality. Although the term “assertive” might seem off-putting, an assertive teacher can maintain a warm demeanor with students while also establishing clear boundaries. This approach can help students develop crucial social skills. In this session, teachers will learn how and when to assert themselves effectively.

Session 6: Acknowledging and practicing self-care

The value and importance of self-care are relevant across all professions, yet it is more stigmatized in some than others. For instance, teachers may find it easier to encourage others to prioritize their health than to do so themselves. However, self-care is essential for teachers to maintain good mental health, especially considering the considerable energy they expend on others while often neglecting their own needs. Unfortunately, self-care is sometimes misunderstood and dismissed by educators as “selfish” or “superficial.” In reality, teachers who prioritize self-care serve as role models for the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

This course blends two forms of learning; in-person seminars (12 hrs) and recorded lectures (3 hrs) accessible on our VLE platform.

Seminars will take place on Mondays from 15:30 to 17:30

DateSeminar
TBACultivating emotional intelligence
TBAReflective practice as a tool to understand the teaching relationship with the students
TBAConnecting with students and understanding their emotions
TBAMaintaining practical strategies to manage anxiety and stress as an educator
TBAAssertiveness skills – how and when to be assertive
TBAAcknowledging and practicing self-care

This course has two 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 awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course’s contact hours and pass from reflective journal.

Final Award: Award in Helping Skills for Educators

Teaching & Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: 11 weeks

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Helping Skills for Educators is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 6, as Further Education Programme.

Applicants must hold an MQF/EQF level 5 or higher qualification in education, along with an MQF/EQF level 3 or higher qualification in both Maltese and English. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.

Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools

Pastoral Care in Schools - team work
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 6, as a Higher Education Programme.


Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools are considered bridges between faiths and cultures in the contemporary context. Those involved in this mission must be well prepared to effectively share the joy of the Gospel and its values within schools in today’s pluralistic society. This course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to enhance effective Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools. It assists participants in developing a range of essential skills for this ministry, including reflective, analytical, critical, and synthetic thinking, as well as leadership, collaboration, interpersonal communication, listening, planning, and implementation.

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

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE6005In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)3 ECTS

In this module, participants will be introduced to the concept of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in schools and will be prepared for this mission. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss and learn how Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy can facilitate dialogue between faiths and cultures in our contemporary pluralistic society. We will articulate how to nurture a wholesome attitude towards life, different religions and cultures, and the whole of creation, founded on Gospel values and the teachings of the Church.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE6006In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)3 ECTS

This module offers participants the opportunity to examine the richness and challenges of a multicultural and multifaith environment within the school community in the context of Pastoral Theology.

In the context of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy, Pastoral Theology enables those involved in this ministry to nurture in their own lives and within the entire school community the truth that:

“The nature of the reign of God is the communion of all human beings between themselves and with God.  

(Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio)

This theme will be discussed through selected Scriptural texts and texts from the teachings of the Church and early Church Fathers.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE6007In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)3 ECTS

By the end of this module, participants will be able to identify various ways of fostering a relationship with the Transcendent/God through different methods of prayer. Participants will become more familiar with:

  • The meaning of spirituality
  • The spiritual development of the young (4-10 yrs.), youth (11-16 yrs.), and adults (18+), keeping in mind contemporary cultures.
  • How to plan and conduct various spiritual encounters and activities with the young (4-10 yrs.), youth (11-16 yrs.), and adults (18+).
CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE6008In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)3 ECTS

The aim of this module is to enable participants to build resources for designing and enriching liturgical and religious celebrations/activities in schools by exploring and adapting artistic expressions, media, and IT resources in the context of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE6009In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)5 ECTS

This module is divided into three parts:

Part One: One-day seminar – This seminar will enable participants to relate various leadership models and collaboration strategies to Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools.

Part Two: Half-day spiritual retreat – Participants will have time to reflect on their own spiritual journey in the light of selected Biblical texts and spiritual literature.

Part Three: Online reading – Four papers will be presented as online reading. These papers are related to all the modules and will enable participants to reflect on the different ways that Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy is expressed around the world. Participants will be asked to critically analyze and review these articles and use them to evaluate national experiences.

 

The course will take place once a week on Wednesdays from 3:30 pm to 5:30pm.

Seminar
DateTimeVenue
5th October 20248:30am – 12:30pmArchbishop’s Seminary, Tal-Virtù, Rabat
PFE6005 Module 1 – Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools: Promoting Human Dignity and Gospel Values in Contemporary Cultures
DateTimeVenue
9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th October 202415:30 – 17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
6th, 13th and 20th November 202415:30 – 17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

PFE6006 Module 2 – Nurturing Spirituality Through Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools
DateTimeVenue
27th November 202415:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
4th, 11th and 18th December 202415:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
8th, 15th and 22nd January 202515:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

PFE6007 Module 3 – Pastoral Theology in Relation to Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools
DateTimeVenue
29th January 202515:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
5th, 12th, 19th and 26th February 202515:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
5th and 12th March 202515:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

PFE6008 Module 4 – Practical Ways of Enriching Liturgical Celebrations and Religious Activities in Schools
DateTimeVenue
26th March 202515:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
2nd, 9th and 30th April 202515:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
7th, 14th and 21st May 202515:30-17:30Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
PFE6009 Module 5 – Internalizing and Evaluating Various Perspectives of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools
DateTimeVenue
June 2025N/AN/A
Spiritual Retreat
DateTimeVenue
21st June 2025TBATBA

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 6, as a Higher Education Programme.

This course contributes towards the Accelerated Progression Scheme for educators as per the Sectoral Agreement signed in 2017.

Get Qualified
Students completing the Higher Education Award in Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools can apply for the Get Qualified Scheme, which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e., €245 will be refunded for this course).
  • Full qualification at MQF Level 6 or higher. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.
  • Proficiency in English and/or Maltese language
  • Basic digital competencies (able to do research)
  • Expressed interest in Pastoral Care and/or chaplaincy in state or non-state schools

Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be refunded if deemed ineligible for the course.


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.

Award in Creating & Animating Prayer Spaces

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Creating and Animating Prayer Spaces is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5, 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. €87.50 will be refunded for this course).

This course offers participants a comprehensive understanding of establishing and managing prayer spaces within diverse settings. Through theoretical insights and practical training, participants will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to create and oversee prayer spaces effectively. Additionally, the course provides a transformative journey for participants, fostering deeper connections with themselves, others, the world, and the divine through engaging with prayer spaces. Participants will learn to accompany others on their spiritual journeys, facilitating exploration of faith, spirituality, and life’s fundamental questions in a supportive and interactive environment.

Emphasizing the shift from mere functionality to a more meaningful existence, the course encourages participants to appreciate and reflect upon relationships, recognizing the profound impact of mindful engagement. Whether in educational institutions, community centres, workplaces, or outdoor settings, participants will explore the versatility of prayer spaces, understanding their potential to enrich lives and foster spiritual growth.

  1. Define what a prayer space is;
  2. Identify different age groups of children and young people attending the prayer space;
  3. Communicate in different ways with children, young people, or adults according to their age, culture, and language during a prayer space;
  4. Identify suitable interested members of the staff/personnel who are willing to form a team to prepare and animate prayer spaces in their respective schools;
  5. Draw up a plan for planning, preparing, setting up, and running prayer spaces;
  6. Report what educators and students said after they have experienced prayer spaces for themselves;
  7. Evaluate what went well, identify difficulties and challenges in setting a prayer space;
  8. Understand that at the most basic level, prayer spaces give students a way to reflect and develop reflective thinking skills in terms of the four key relationships: the self, others, the world, and God;
  9. Make a connection between prayer spaces and other subjects
  1. Reflect personally on a prayer space;
  2. Plan a prayer space;
  3. Prepare for the setting of prayer spaces;
  4. Create simple and clear instruction cards, and prepare the resources related to the prayer space;
  5. Set up the physical prayer space in any given space and/or venue.
  6. Demonstrate a welcoming attitude to all children and young people of all faith and none who will be experiencing a prayer space;
  7. Lead the children and young people to the safe, hands-on, creative prayer space and, when necessary, animate the prayer spaces;
  8. Show a sense of accompaniment and being there for the person;
  9. Operate with other members of staff who wish to give a helping hand before, during, and after the setting of a prayer space activity;
  10. Recruit and train a prayer space team;
  11. Run a Prayer Space;
  12. Do a follow-up of a prayer spaces session.

This course is targeted at all those who wish to help children, young people, and adults grow in their prayer life, namely:

  • Educators,
  • Catechists,
  • Youth workers,
  • Youth leaders,
  • Youth ministers,
  • Religious counsellors,
  • Chaplains and lay chaplains,
  • Priests and religious.  

Target Audience Age: 18+

Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to engage with prayer spaces first-hand.

Participants will be introduced to the concepts of prayer, spirituality, and religion. Participants will also become aware of the differences between superficiality and meaning-making, focusing on being, and the development of symbolic language.

Participants will explore the significance of prayer spaces, which embody spiritual, reflective, inclusive, professional, and Christian values.

Participants will learn that prayer spaces help individuals reflect and develop reflective thinking skills, viewing this process in terms of four key relationships: the self, other people, the world, and the sacred/divine. They will also learn that spirituality is inherent in everyone, and that God, in various ways, interacts with and cares for each individual.

Participants will learn how to initiate prayer spaces.

Participants will learn how to select and develop prayer activities aimed at the self, others, the world, and God, incorporating a variety of learning styles, including writing, listening, observation, reading, and hands-on activities.

Participants will learn how to recruit and train an effective prayer space team. Participants will learn to select individuals who embody qualities such as prayerfulness, inclusivity, reflection, professionalism, and safety. Additionally, participants will discover techniques for establishing a welcoming prayer space accessible to all visitors. They will also gain insights into collecting feedback and producing follow-up reports.

This course will take place on Monday and Wednesdays from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

DateSession
18th November 2024Introduction to Prayer
20th November 2024The Values of Prayer Spaces
25th November 2024The Purpose of Prayer Spaces and Prayer Spaces Theology
27th November 2024Preparing for the Setting of Prayer Spaces
2nd December 2024Creating Prayer Activities
4th December 2024Recruiting and Training a Prayer Space Team, Running a Prayer Space and Follow-up

Certification:  

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours 
  • pass from short multiple-choice online exam
  • pass from written assignment

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Creating and Animating Prayer Spaces is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5, as a Higher Education Programme.

Funding
Students completing the Award in Creating & Animating Prayer Spaces 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. €87.50 will be refunded for this course).

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. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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