Archives

Walking Together in Lent: Pastoral Pathways to Renewal

27/10/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

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

Pastoral Leaders

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

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

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

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course

2. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully complete a written assignment.

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

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

Catholic Pastoral Care in Elderly Homes and Hospitals

27/10/2025

This course equips pastoral workers, Eucharistic ministers, and volunteers with the practical skills and spiritual sensitivity needed for Catholic pastoral care in elderly homes. It emphasizes leading prayer moments, distributing Holy Communion, and visiting the elderly, including hospital settings and room-to-room ministry. Participants will develop a compassionate, Christ-centred approach rooted in Catholic teaching and pastoral practice.

• Volunteers in elderly homes
• Lay pastoral workers
• Parish volunteers
• Religious sisters or brothers serving in care homes
• Seminarians in pastoral formation

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

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

DateSession
16th February 2026 Foundations of Catholic Pastoral Care
23rd February 2026Spiritual Needs of the Elderly and Hospital Patients
2nd March 2026Leading Moments of Prayer
9th March 2026Room-to-Room Visits and Hospital Ministry
16th March 2026Ministering Holy Communion
23rd March 2026Pastoral Challenges and Ethical Considerations

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 (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully complete a short online assessment.

3. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully complete all assessments, including a written assignment.

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

20/05/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This course offers a rich thematic and theological introduction to the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing its unique portrayal of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the New Moses, and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Participants will explore key events in Jesus’ life—His birth, teachings, miracles, and passion—while gaining insight into Matthew’s structure and message. Designed for pastoral ministers seeking deeper formation as the Church begins a new liturgical cycle centred on Matthew’s Gospel.

Pastoral workers especially those involved in the Ministry of the Word and all others interested in the subject.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
12th November 2025Introduction and the Magi Narrative
19th Novemeber 2025 The Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount
26th November 2025The Miracles in Matthew
3rd December 2025The Passion and Easter Nattative in Matthew

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and written assignment.

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

King David: Hero or Villain?

14/05/2025

The course aims to provide participants with a better understanding of the figure of King David in the Bible. Various aspects relating to Kind David will be considered, shedding light both on aspects for which he may be considered a hero, and also on those for which he may be considered a villain. This is a study whereby one is called to reflect on the different facets, both positive and negative, that may be present in the same character. Among these are the ambitious nature, the traitor, being a sinner, the father figure, and also his saintly aspects.

This course is suitable for pastoral workers helping in the Ministry of the Word. It is also ideal for people who would like to delve deeper in knowledge about King David and all Christians who would like to continue to invest in their relationship with God.

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

28th January 2026David the Ambitious
4th February 2026David the Traitor
11th February 2026David the Sinner
18th February 2026David the Father
25th February 2026David the Saint

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 an 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.

Journey with the Psalms

14/05/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

This course invites participants to explore the timeless wisdom of the Book of Psalms as a guide for spiritual depth and reflection throughout life’s journey.  As such, the programme delves into the Psalter as the Bible’s prayer book (cf. CCC 2587). Through prayer and personal reflection, participants are encouraged to internalise this knowledge, deepening their spiritual understanding of the Psalms and their relevance to both the joys and challenges of life.

  • 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

15th April 2026Introduction to the Book of Psalms
22nd April 2026Psalms of Wonder and Trust
29th April 2026Psalms of Seeking and Calling
6th May 2026Psalms of Ascent and Descent – Perseverance in the journey
13th May 2026Psalms of Thanksgiving and Wisdom
20th May 2026Psalms of Trust and Hope

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators

13/03/2025
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

Students who successfully complete this course may apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €119.00 will be refunded for this course).

This course provides foundational knowledge of frontier artificial intelligence technologies that will allow teachers and other community members to use and support the use of AI in educational applications in ways that are effective, safe, and ethical. The course will develop the skills necessary to support children in their interactions with AI. Graduates will be equipped to guide young learners through the ethical considerations, societal implications, and practical uses of AI, fostering informed and responsible engagement with these quickly evolving technologies.

The course focuses on the latest advancements in generative AI for text, images, video, music, and speech. Foundational topics include how AI works, how these models are trained, their capabilities, limitations, safety, ethics, and implications for society. Graduates will learn about the AI technology landscape, main AI companies, latest models, and differences between AI models. They will engage with these technologies and discuss case studies and research that illustrate capabilities, limitations, challenges, promise and pitfalls of AI.

Students will receive an introduction to prompt engineering, learn different ways of interacting with different AI technologies, and learn how AI can be used in applications, such as teaching, editing, programming, and general support for creative tasks. Graduates will also learn how different technologies can be used together.

By the end of the course, graduates will have a sufficient understanding of how these technologies work, current cutting-edge technologies available and on the horizon, different ways AI is being used in an educational setting and by young people, how they can support young learners in engaging with AI, and the considerations and importance when using AI in a way that is safe, ethical, and effective.

This course is delivered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with

London School of Artificial Intelligence.

Qualified educators and others interested in the subject.

Knowledge

  • Foundational AI Concepts: Understanding fundamental principles of AI, including development, training, and utilization across various domains (text, images, video, music, speech).
  • AI Technologies and Their Applications: In-depth knowledge of current AI technologies, prominent companies, latest models, and their applications in education.
  • Ethics and Safety in AI: Critical understanding of ethical considerations, including bias, privacy, transparency, and societal impacts.
  • AI’s Societal Implications: Exploration of AI’s broader societal implications, including disruptions to industries and ethical challenges.
  • Case Studies and Research in AI: Study of practical uses, limitations, and challenges of AI through case studies and current research.

Skills

  • AI Tool Use: Advanced skills in using various AI tools and technologies, including generative AI models.
  • Critical Analysis and Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI, and solve complex problems related to AI implementation.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication of complex AI concepts to diverse audiences and collaboration with peers and professionals.
  • Data Interpretation and Decision-Making: Ability to gather, interpret, and utilize data related to AI usage in education for informed decision-making.
  • Ethical Implementation and Reflection: Ethical use of AI, reflective practice, and continuous evaluation of AI’s impact on education.
  • Creative and Innovative Use of AI: Creativity in applying AI technologies to enhance educational practices and exploring synergies between different AI technologies.

Competencies

  • AI Knowledge Application and Problem-Solving: Application of advanced AI knowledge to address challenges in educational settings and develop innovative solutions.
  • Ethical and Responsible AI Management: Commitment to ethical principles in managing AI projects, evaluating social and ethical implications.
  • Leadership and Collaboration in AI Education: Leading teams in adopting AI technologies, providing guidance, and fostering collaboration.
  • Ongoing Professional Development in AI: Continuous engagement in professional development to stay updated with AI advancements.
  • Strategic Management and Implementation of AI in Education: Planning, managing, and executing AI-related projects, balancing technical capabilities with social and moral considerations.

The course will be held on Wednsdays from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (apart from the examination, which will be held at the times specified below) at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
Wednesday 15th October 2025The AI Landscape
Wednesday 22nd October 2025Interacting with AI
Wednesday 29th October 2025Student Safety in Using AI
Wednesday 12th November 2025AI Ethics and Morality
Wednesday 19th Novemeber 2025Integration Strategy for AI in Education
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
from 3:30pm to 4:30pm		Examination

This course has one exit certificate option: 

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours and successfully pass the examination and written assignment.

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: 7

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2

Contact Hours: 10

Self-Study Hours: 30

Assessment Hours: 10

Assessment Hours: Pastoral Formation Institute

This course is delivered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with London School of Artificial Intelligence.

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, as a Higher Education Programme.

Students who successfully complete this course may apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €119.00 will be refunded 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 be proficient in accessing and using the internet and office software suites.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and blended learning, applicants must reside in the Maltese Islands and provide their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, please refer to Identity Malta’s visa requirements for third-country nationals.

Award in Augustinian Spirituality for Educators

25/10/2023
Augistinian Spirituality

Elements of Augustinian charism and identity will be proposed in a meaningful manner to the building up of today’s society, especially in education. Thus, by exploring critically various aspects, the participants will grasp a deeper knowledge and experience of Augustinian values.

The main objective of the course is to present in a brief way the charism and the spirituality of the Augustinian Order through values and practical experience from education.

Dates will be announced soon.