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Introduction to Digital Presence

12/12/2025

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/.

In a world shaped by clicks, screens, and shared stories, the digital landscape offers a vast frontier for evangelization, community-building, and meaningful dialogue. This course provides a structured practical pathway for pastoral workers and volunteers who will be guided through the key areas of the digital presence including understanding digital culture, the language used on social media, content creation, and building a sustainable web presence. This course is intended not only to pastoral workers and parish volunteers, but also to members of ecclesial entities and groups who are interested in digital ministry or currently contribute to their online presence—whether through websites or social media.

Pastoral workers and volunteers – not just the ones in parishes but other ecclesial entities and groups – who are interested in the subject or are involved in the entity’s digital presence (web or social).

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
8th April 2026Understanding the digital space and the importance of the Church’s digital presence
15th April 2026Understanding the digital language, audiences and how to engage with them.
22nd April 2026Your voice on Social Media
29th April 2026Content Creation – Part 1
6th May 2026Content Creation – Part 2
13th May 2026Web Presence
20th May 2026Understanding Reach and Engagement
27th May 2026Church structures and resources available for Church Entities

This course has three exit certificate options:

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend 80% of course contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend 80% of course contact hours and pass from a short online assessment.

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend 80% of course contact hours;  
  • pass from short online assessment
  • pass from a project

Language: Participants must have a primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

Prayer Spaces at Easter

04/11/2025

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 experiential course invites participants to journey from the joy of Easter to the fire of Pentecost through themed Prayer Spaces. Students will first engage in the prayer spaces themselves, immersing in reflection on the themes of Easter. They will process their experience in small groups and then in a larger plenary discussion. Practical guidance and resources will then be provided to equip participants with the skills needed to create and lead meaningful prayer space encounters for others in their own settings.

This course is designed for all those who wish to help children, young people, and adults grow in their prayer life — namely, educators, catechists, youth leaders, youth ministers, religious counsellors, chaplains, lay chaplains, priests, and religious.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

DateSession
11th April 2026From Encounter to Experience –
Discovering Prayer Spaces as Pathways of Resurrection
18th April 2026Co-Creating with God –
Bringing Prayer Spaces to Life

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 a reflective journal.

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.

The Organ in the Liturgy – Stylistic Playing and Harmonization

26/05/2025

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 explores stylistic approaches to organ playing from the Baroque to the Romantic periods, with a particular focus on liturgical application. Participants will learn the non-legato “ordinary” touch that was standard until the early 19th century, followed by the legato style that became prevalent thereafter. Practical sessions will include set pieces, appropriate registration techniques, and stylistic interpretation. The course also covers hymn harmonisation, training participants to add three lower parts to a melody. These skills support both liturgical responsibilities and the improvisational development of the church organist.

Organists and those interested to be, and choir leaders.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DateSessionVenue
04th February 2026Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century – Part 1Archbishop’s Seminary
11th February 2026Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century – Part 2Archbishop’s Seminary
25th February 2026Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards – Part 1Archbishop’s Seminary
04th March 2026Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards – Part 2Archbishop’s Seminary
11th March 2026Harmonisation at the organ – Part 1Archbishop’s Seminary
18th March 2026Harmonisation at the organ – Part 2Archbishop’s Seminary

Session 1 and 2: Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century

Legato, or “ordinary” touch, was the standard technique for organ playing until the 19th century. Course participants will be guided in applying this touch with both hands and feet through the practice of selected pieces from the Baroque repertoire. The recommended registrations for these pieces will also be explained.

Session 3 and 4: Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards

From the late 19th century, the legato touch became the standard approach in organ performance. Participants will learn how to apply this technique for both hands and feet by practising selected works from the Romantic period. Guidance will also be provided on appropriate registration choices for this style.

Session 5 and 6: Harmonisation at the organ

A key responsibility of a church organist is the ability to harmonise hymns at sight. In these sessions, participants will be taught how to harmonise a melody by adding three lower parts. In addition to their practical application in hymn playing, these skills will also support the development of improvisation techniques.

This course has three 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.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when sitting and successfully compete and pass the short multiple-choice questions online exam which will be available on the Moodle platform.

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 practical examination and viva session.

This course is delivered by the Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute.

Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English. They must also have a minimum of grade 6 standard in a keyboard instrument (piano or organ).

A copy of the certificate indicating achievement of minimum grade 6 standard must be uploaded in the application form below.

Ħarbex il-Melodija

23/05/2025

Ħarbex il-Melodija huwa opportunità għall-kompożituri u mużiċisti, li jixtiequ jħaddmu t-talenti tagħhom, sabiex jiktbu innijiet għal-Liturġija tal-Knisja fuq stil klassiku.

Dan il-kors ta’ 3 workshops li l-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azopardi qed torganizza b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Pastoral Formation Institute jagħtik formazzjoni, spazju u ħin biex toħloq mużika ġdida għal testi ta’ kant liturġiku, fosthom dawk li jinħolqu fil-kors Ħarbex ir-Rima. It-tħarbix isir b’mod individwali kif ukoll fi gruppi żgħar, b’mumenti ta’ qsim bejn kulħadd. Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-workshops se jsiru nhar ta’ Sibt mit-8:30am sas-2:30pm, Knisja tal-Erwieħ, Ħal Tarxien

2 ta’ Mejju 2026Introjtu
30 ta’ Mejju 2026Offertorji
20 ta’ Ġunju 2026Tqarbin

Dan il-kors għandu tip ta’ ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu għal tnejn mit-tlett lezzjonijiet li qed jiġu organizzati kif ukoll jikkomponi mużika liturġika.

Dan il-kors qed jiġu provdut mill-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi f’kollaborazzjoni tal-Istitut tal-Formazzjoni Pastorali.

L-applikanti għandhom ikollom bażi tajba tal-lingwa Maltija u ta’ teknika awdjo-viżiva.

 

Ħarbex ir-Rima

23/05/2025   Knisja tal-Erwieħ, Ħal Tarxien

Qatt ħsibt li d-don tiegħek tal-kitba u l-poeżija tista’ tħaddmu biex tħarbex lirika li tista’ titkanta fil-liturġija tal-Knisja? Qed noffrulek opportunità li dan twettqu fil-kors Ħarbex ir-Rima!

Dan huwa kors ta’ 3 workshops li l-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azopardi qed torganizza b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Pastoral Formation Institute għal dawk kollha li jixtiequ jħaddmu d-don tal-kitba u l-poeżija b’għan qaddis.

L-għan tal-kors hu li jispira l-ħolqien ta’ lirika ġdida bil-Malti xierqa għall-kant liturġiku, taħt gwida.

It-tħarbix se jsir b’mod individwali, kif ukoll ma’ ħaddieħor fi gruppi żgħar kif ukoll f’mumenti ta’ qsim bejn kulħadd. Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-workshops se jsiru nhar ta’ Sibt mit-8:30am sas-2:30pm, Knisja tal-Erwieħ, Ħal Tarxien

DataSessjoni
7 ta’ Frar 2026Introjtu
7 ta’ Marzu 2026Offertorji
18 ta’ April 2026Tqarbin

Dan il-kors għandu tip ta’ ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu għal tnejn mit-tlett lezzjonijiet li qed jiġu organizzati kif ukoll jiktbu lirika ġdida għal mużika liturġika.

Dan il-kors qed jiġu provdut mill-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi f’kollaborazzjoni tal-Istitut tal-Formazzjoni Pastorali.

L-applikanti għandhom ikollom bażi tajba tal-lingwa Maltija.

 

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.

Introduction to Parish Ministry

25/10/2023
Introduction to Parish Ministry

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/.

“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.

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

Target Audience Age: 19+

TBA

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 exams and written assessment

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