Archives

Delving Deep into the Gospels

27/11/2024

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

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

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

Foundations of Spiritual Discernment

12/06/2024

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

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

Introduction to AI in Pastoral Settings: Tools and Practices

23/05/2024

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

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

  • Pastoral Workers
  • Priests
  • Religious

And other individuals interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
22nd February 2025What is AI? What is the Church’s position on AI?
1st March 2025Helpful AI tools and how to make use of them

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels

23/05/2024

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

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

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

Expressions of Personal Prayer

23/05/2024

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

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

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

Praying With Icons

23/05/2024

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

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

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificates of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course, as well as after passing a short multiple-choice exam and written assignment.

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

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

Introduction to Sacred Scriptures

16/05/2024

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

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

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificates of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

Living Beyond Sunday

09/05/2024

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

Our relationship with God is not meant to stay within the walls of our parish church when we leave after Sunday Mass. Instead, “the Mass is ended, go in peace” is an exhortation for us to let what we received during Mass transform our hearts, families, homes, and schools into welcoming places to encounter Christ. This transformation should continue until we gather again the following Sunday to be strengthened and sent forth once more.

In this new course, Living Beyond Sunday, we aim to share ideas to help parents and all those working with children make their time together a place of encounter with God—a place where saints are being made. The course discusses how to foster holiness in all the everyday moments of Catholic life, starting with spiritual pedagogy and moving on to practical ways to celebrate this. It is based on the premise that with small efforts, creativity, and adaptations, it is possible to make what we experience during liturgy appealing, meaningful, and impactful for children.

  • Pastoral workers aiding in children’s and family ministry
  • Chaplaincy teams in schools
  • Parents

And other individuals interested in the subject.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

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

DatesSession
28th October 2024Introduction: Children’s Spirituality and their Relationship with God
4th November 2024Children’s Liturgy in Schools
Adaptation of a Liturgy
11th November 2024Introduction to the Liturgical Year
Advent and Christmas
18th November 2024Lent and Easter Triduum
25th November 2024Easter
Ordinary Time and Celebrating Saints
2nd December 2024Seminar – Sharing Good Practice*

*Participation in the seminar to be held on 2nd December 2024, is required to be in person.

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificates of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Participation

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

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

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

Introduction to The Book of Ruth

02/05/2024

The course aims to provide participants with a close reading of the Book of Ruth. It will delve into the historical context of the book, its structure, and practical implications such as migration, charity, fidelity, love, and the value of patience that emerge from this reading.

  • Individuals interested in scripture studies

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DatesSession
3rd July 2024Introduction and Chapter 1
10th July 2024Chapter 2 and 3
17th July 2024Chapter 4 and Ruth in Mt 1:5

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificates of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

  • attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours
  • successfully complete and pass from 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.

The Jubilee – Pilgrims of Hope

25/10/2023
Jubilee - Pilgrims of Hope

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 aims to help participants to prepare themselves and be able to prepare others for The Jubilee of 2025, centred around the theme of hope.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the biblical foundations of the words “jubilee,” “hope,” and “pilgrimage”. The course will delve into the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis on the subject of hope. A dedicated session will be devoted to applying the concept of Jubilee in our contemporary context and understanding its relevance to the Church’s mission of Evangelisation.

  • Pastoral Workers
  • Individuals interested to prepare for the jubilee

Target Audience Age: 18+

TBA

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

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

Certificate of Participation

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

Certificate of Achievement  

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

  • attend a minimum 80% of all contact hours
  • pass from short multiple-choice exam
  • pass from written assessment

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

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