In-person – Pastoral Formation Institute

Sport and Community Building

16/05/2024 Catholic Institute, Floriana

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Sport and Community Building is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

The local community is central to God’s work. This module will explore and identify ways in which different groups in the local community can make stronger and healthier communities across generations. It illustrates the various ways in which sports has been serving in building God’s Kingdom. Learners will be able to learn sport-related skills and language to teach the values and apply learnt knowledge to their particular setting. Learners will also be able to organise and create sport camps and festivals according to their specific context, looking also at the practical aspect of such organisation

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Youth leaders interested in Sports/Physical Activity,
Sports persons (coaches, athletes, club admin. members) interested in Sports Ministry,
School chaplains, PE teachers, and Teachers interested in both areas (sports & spirituality).

Target Audience Age: 18+

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE5004	– Weekly Lectures – Practicum	2 ECTS

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Lecturers: Sr Rachel Camilleri ASGM

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time

Part 1: Theory

Dates	Dates	Times	Venue
Thursdays	16.05.2024 – 13.06.2024	18:00 – 20:00	Catholic Institute, Floriana

Part 2: Practicum

Over the summer period, participants are asked to partake in 10 hours of practicum. Participants can choose to either take part in a Summer Camp or organise an activity in a youth group they are a member of. More information about this part of the course will be given to applicants during the course.

Assessment: Activity Observation 40% & Written Activity Report 60

Assessment Explanation: These will take into consideration these key criteria: activity content and design of the event, implementation and evaluation of an activity.

Participants are expected to devise and put into practice the planned activity with a concluding evaluative report. The content and practice have to reflect in practice the principles learnt during the module.

For this Assignment or Activity, participants are to take into consideration one of the following cohorts: young (4 to 10 years), adolescents (11-15 years), youth (16 – 30 years) and adults (31+).

Duration: 5 sessions part-time including:

Contact hours – 10 hours
Supervised Placement and Practice Hours – 10 hours
Self-Study Hours – 20 hours
Assessment Hours – 10 hours

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

*_{To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and successfully pass the assignment}

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Sports and Commmunity Building is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

Applicants must be in possession of:

Proficient in English
Minimum Level: O level or equivalent
Expressed interest in Evangelisation and Sport
Participants must present POMA certification and clean police conduct.

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, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Values in Sports Ministry

07/03/2024 Catholic Institute, Floriana

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Values in Sports Ministry is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

The aim of this module is for participants to learn about the true values of sports and the inter-relationship with Christian/Biblical values.

Learn how to experientially transmit the true values of sports through the different myriad of sports/play activities. This will be applied in a way to address the specific age groups that form our parishes, communities and educational institutions, through the integration of Christian/Biblical teachings.

To understand that the value-based programmes can also be extended to mainstream coaching and to influence secular spheres within our communities.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Youth leaders interested in Sports/Physical Activity,
Sports persons (coaches, athletes, club admin. members) interested in Sports Ministry,
School chaplains, PE teachers, and Teachers interested in both areas (sports & spirituality).

Target Audience Age: 18+

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
ASM5003	Weekly Lectures	2 ECTS

Lecturers: Mr David Azzopardi & Mr Karl Cortis

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time

Dates	Dates	Times	Venue
Thursdays	07.03.2024 – 25.04.2024	18:00 – 20:00	Catholic Institute, Floriana

Easter Recess between 25th March and 7th April 2024

Assessment: Written Assessment

Duration: 7 sessions part-time including:

Contact hours – 14 hours
Supervised Placement and Practice Hours – 0 hours
Self-Study Hours – 26 hours
Assessment Hours – 10 hours

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

*_{To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and successfully pass the assignment}

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Award

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Applicants must be in possession of:

Proficient in English
Minimum Level: O level or equivalent
Expressed interest in Evangelisation and Sport
Participants must present POMA certification and clean police conduct.

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, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Sports as a Means for Holistic Development

18/01/2024 Catholic Institute, Floriana

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Sports as a Means for Holistic Development is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

This module aims to reveal the natural values that are inherent in play/sports and how these values serve one’s personal development. The aim is to help Christians learn how to integrate their lives (especially in relation to sports) in a way that their core Christian values are lived out authentically and to the full.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Youth leaders interested in Sports/Physical Activity,
Sports persons (coaches, athletes, club admin. members) interested in Sports Ministry,
School chaplains, PE teachers, and Teachers interested in both areas (sports & spirituality).

Target Audience Age: 18+

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE5002	– Practicum sessions – Weekly Lectures	2 ECTS

Lecturers: Rev Bernard Micallef

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time

Session	Dates	Times	Venue
Thursdays	18.01.2024 – 29.02.2024	18:00 – 20:00	Catholic Institute, Floriana

Assessment: Activity Observation 40% & Written Activity Report 60%

Assessment Explanation: To engage with a Christian-based organisation and devise either a plan of how a specific sports-based programme could be set up in their respective organisation or focus on one specific event/activity that can be held within the remit of the organisation. Eg. Lenten sessions using sports etc.

Final Award: Award in Sports Ministry

Duration: 7 lectures, part-time including:

Contact hours – 10 hours
Supervised Placement and Practice Hours – 7 hours
Self-Study Hours – 23 hours
Assessment Hours – 10 hours

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

*_{To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and successfully pass the assignment}

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Award

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Introduction to Sports Ministry is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

Applicants must be in possession of:

Proficient in English
Minimum Level: O level or equivalent
Expressed interest in Evangelisation and Sport
Participants must present POMA certification and clean police conduct.

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, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Introduction to Mariology

15/01/2024 Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta

This course aims to provide theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church. The sessions will start by analysing the portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Holy Scriptures and Marian devotion in the early Church. The course will explore the development of the Marian dogmas and the devotion to Mary in the Eastern traditions. The course will also treat the way Mary as Mother of the Church is presented in Vatican Council II and the subsequent Mariological documents by the Popes in the last fifty years. The sessions will proceed to focus on the beautiful rendering of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Art and the manifold references to the Mother of God in Maltese poetry. In conclusion, the course will reflect on Mary as one of the most important figures in Christianity as a role model for all women.

All who wish to enrich their theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church.

Target Audience`s Age: 18+

Session Format

This course will be delivered over 15 lectures, each lecture covering a different aspect of Mariology. The themes which will be covered are:

The portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Old Testament
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Gospel of John
The Blessed Virgin Mary and the early Church Fathers
The four Marian dogmas
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Oriental traditions (Catholics and Orthodox)
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Liturgy
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Second Vatican Council
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Papal Magisterium of the last sixty years
Marian Spirituality
Portrayals of the Virgin Mary in Films
Marian Art in foreign countries
Marian Art in Malta
The Blessed Virgin Mary in Maltese poetry
The Blessed Virgin Mary and woman in the Church

Please note that these themes will not necessarily be delivered in this particular order.

Session Format

Lectures will be on Mondays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 15th January 2024

Month	Days
January	15th, 22nd & 29th
February	5th, 19th & 26th
March	4th, 11th & 18th
April	8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
May	6th & 13th

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course`s contact hours.

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria* and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice tests.

Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

meet the attendance criteria*
sit and pass the short multiple-choice tests (mentioned in point 2),
and also submit a written assessment.

Final Award: Certificate in Introduction to Mariology

Teaching & Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Five months part-time course

_{_{* Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.}}

Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to evaluate 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.

Emotional Support: Self Awareness and Self Care

15/01/2024 Ta` Mlit, Mosta

This is a follow-up course which complements the ‘Emotional Support in the Community: Basic Skills’ course. This course focuses on and encourages the participants to engage in reflective practice, and to enhance the skills of self-awareness. It takes an in-depth look at issues related to transference and countertransference, and how these influence the individuals receiving the service.

The course then delves into the topic of mental health, focusing on supporting people with mental health issues, particularly when it comes to depression and anxiety. The course also aims to create an opportunity to discuss self-care practices, which are crucial to providing the best possible care.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

Understand the importance of self-awareness and how to apply it to themselves in a personal and pastoral care context.
Define and describe transference and countertransference and what prompts them.
Comprehend the meaning of reflective practice, and hence begin to analyse their practices to gain a better understanding of quality service, which ensures a safe and positive working environment.
Grasp the concepts of mental health and mental health issues and how they affect daily life.
Explore what depression is (and is not) and highlight the difference between ‘normal’ anxiety and anxiety disorders.
Understand the importance of taking care of themselves as service providers.

The course is highly recommended for:

Those who completed Emotional Support in the Community: Basic Skills with the Pastoral Formation Institute.
People who desire to enhance their listening abilities, to improve their relationships with family members, and co-workers.
Supportive individuals who wish to care for themselves in the process of helping others.

Target Audience Age: 18+

During their personal commitments, pastoral workers have a variety of experiences that help them better understand themselves.

Knowing oneself and becoming self-aware helps those involved in pastoral work relate to those with whom they are called to be in a relationship more effectively. It’s vital as they strive to treat others’ feelings, points of view, and circumstances with kindness and faithfulness.

In addition to self-awareness, emotional self-awareness encourages pastoral workers to investigate how their emotions influence their pastoral work. Hence, it is vital that they keep their emotions in check.

Countertransference occurs when the person receiving the service triggers the pastoral worker’s unconscious wants, desires, or experiences. In certain circumstances, pastoral professionals may be unaware of the needs or sentiments developing within themselves. As a result, a volunteer or pastoral worker must have good psychological health and emotional maturity.

Due to unresolved feelings, the pastoral worker or volunteer becomes a person from the past for the individual receiving the service through transference. A significant relationship is formed through association when a pastoral worker reminds a layperson of someone who has been a nurturing influence in their life.

Reflective practice in pastoral ministry is associated with an increased awareness of the minister’s own style in service, as well as validation of his or her own ideas. There may be room for constructive challenges to customary practices. This will aid in clarifying the role of the ministry in society.

Reflective practice also assists pastoral workers in identifying their own strengths and limitations and using this knowledge to encourage their peers to enhance their performance or service. Reflection will help the volunteer improve their self-directed learning ability, motivation, and the level of care they can provide.

Because pastoral workers engage with people on a daily basis, it is critical that they are aware of any mental health concerns that may be harming their service users’ well-being. During this session, we will have an overview of mental health concerns that may be affecting individuals we meet through our volunteer work.

As a result, they will recognize that good mental health entails being able to think, feel, and behave in ways that you need and want to live your life. However, if you experience a period of poor mental health, you may find that the ways you often think, feel, or react become difficult, if not impossible, to manage.

During this session, pastoral workers will gain a better understanding of the causes that contribute to depression, as well as how trauma can contribute to it. They will also appreciate the connections between childhood trauma and how adults function with and without depression and anxiety issues. With all this information, pastoral workers will learn how to support these individuals while respecting their autonomy.

There may be a misconception that self-care is unnecessary during pastoral work because a minister is supposed to devote their lives to others with boundless love. However, pastoral workers will become more conscious of the importance of self-care during this session. They are less likely to break boundaries, burn out, or engage in risky behavior if they practice self-care, which helps lower overall stress and helps them achieve balance. They are becoming more aware that when they take care of themselves, they are also taking care of others.

The course is delivered in 6 sessions (12 contact hours) over 6 weeks. The 2-hour weekly sessions are held on Mondays between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre. Free parking facilities are available.

Mondays at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Date	Lecture Title
15.01.2024	Understanding Self-Awareness.
22.01.2024	Discussing Transference and Countertransference.
29.01.2024	Understanding the Concept of Reflective Practice and Learning to Reflect on Our Work.
05.02.2024	Understanding Mental Health and Supporting People with Mental Health Issues.
19.02.2024	Working with People Dealing with Depression and Anxiety.
26.02.2024	Appreciating and Practicing Self-Care.

Certification: 

This course offers three exit certificate options

1. Certificate of Attendance

To receive a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend a minimum of 80% of the course contact hours.

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend all the contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend all minimum of 80% of the contact hours;
pass the short multiple-choice online exam;
and successfully complete a Case Study Analysis.

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 strive to evaluate applications based on academic potential. We consider a diverse range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other relevant experiences and skills.

Language Skills: A basic understanding of both Maltese and English.

Digital Skills: Proficient in internet access and word processing.

An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

10/01/2024 Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta

The course aims to provide theological knowledge regarding the Catholic belief in the Holy Spirit as it developed throughout the centuries and lived in various aspects of ecclesial life. The course starts by analysing scripture references to the Holy Spirit and explores the development of the theology of the Holy Spirit from the Church Fathers to contemporary theology. The course also illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit in liturgy, ecclesial life and communal discernment, and concludes by analysing how the Holy Spirit is expressed in art.

People who wish to enrich their spirituality by learning more about the third person of the Holy Trinity.

Target Audience`s Age: 18+

This course delves into four main areas:

The Holy Spirit in Scriptures
Patristic and Dogmatic Theology of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit in Liturgy
Manifestation of the Holy Spirit

Session Format

Lectures will be on Wednesdays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 10th January 2024

Month	Days
January	10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st
February	7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
March	6th, 13th & 20th
April	10th, 17th & 24th
May	8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
June	5th

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course`s contact hours.

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria* and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice tests.

Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

meet the attendance criteria*
sit and pass the short multiple-choice tests (mentioned in point 2),
and also submit a written assessment of at least 1000-1500 words.

Final Award: Certificate in An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Four months part-time course

_{_{* Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.}}

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.

Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools

16/12/2023 The Archbishop`s Curia

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/Chaplaincy in Schools is being considered a bridge between faith(s) and culture(s) in the contemporary context. People involved in this mission are to be well prepared in order to be effective instruments of sharing the joy of the Gospel and Gospel values within schools in the current pluralistic society.

Course Aim:

This course gives participants the knowledge and practical skills needed to enhance effective Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools. The course assists participants to build a range of skills necessary for this ministry: reflective, analytical, critical and synthetic, leadership, collaborative, interpersonal, listening, planning, and implementation.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

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

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6017	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

In this module, participants will be introduced to the concept of Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in schools and prepare them for this mission. Participants will get the opportunity to discuss and learn how pastoral care/ chaplaincy can be a means to facilitate dialogue between faith(s) and culture(s) in our contemporary pluralistic society. In this module, 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.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6019	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

This module offers the participants the opportunity to examine the richness and the 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 the people involved in this ministry to nurture in their life and in the life of the whole school community the truth that;

“[t]he 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.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6018	In-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 be able to become more familiar with :

the meaning of spirituality,
the spiritual development of the young (4-10 yrs.), youth (11-16yrs.), and adults (18+), keeping in mind contemporary culture/s.
how to plan and conduct various spiritual encounters and activities with the young (4-10yrs), youth (11-16yrs) and adults (18+).

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6020	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

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

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6021	In-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: where 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 are going to 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.

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time

Session Format

Twenty-eight lectures on Thursday between 15:30-17:45 (60 hours). This time period was specifically chosen to assist our participants in achieving a better family-work/study-balanced life.
One day-seminar on Saturday 16th December 2023, between 8:30 – 14:30 ( 6 hours )
Morning Retreat (5 hours)
Online learning (12 hours)

THM6021: Internalizing and Evaluating various perspectives of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools. – Part 1

Date	Time	Venue
16th December	8:30 – 14:30	Archbishop`s Seminary, Rabat

THM6017: Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools: Promoting Human Dignity and Gospel Values in Contemporary Cultures.

Date	Time	Venue
11th, 18th, & 25th January	15:30 – 17:45	Catholic Institute
1st, 15th, 22nd, & 29th February	15:30 – 17:45	Catholic Institute

Carnival Recess – Thursday 8^th – Tuesday 12^th February 2024

THM6019: Nurturing Spirituality through Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in Schools

Date	Time	Venue
7th, 14th, & 21st March	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
18th & 25th April	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
2nd May	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute

Easter Recess: Monday 25^th March – Sunday 7^th April 2024

THM6018: Pastoral Theology in relation to Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in Schools

Date	Time	Venue
9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th May	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
6th, 13thy & 20th June	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute

THM6020: Practical ways of Enriching Liturgical Celebrations and Religious Activities in Schools.

Date	Time	Venue
26th September	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st October	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
7th November	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute

THM6021: Internalizing and Evaluating various perspectives of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools. Part 2

Date	Time	Venue
22nd June	8:30 – 12:30	Archbishop`s Seminary, Rabat

Assessment: Written assignments. Each assignment will be handed-in for every module

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Final Award: Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools

EQF/MQF Level: Level 6

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 17 ECTS

Duration: 1 year part-time (84 hours)

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

_{* To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment}

Every application will be considered on its individual merits* and includes:

Full qualification at MQF Level 4 (A Level / Intermediate) or equivalent
Proficient 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.

*The applicant will be refunded if not eligible 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, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Award in Creating & Animating Prayer Spaces

21/11/2023 Catholic Institute, Floriana

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 is designed to:

Equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills required to create and run a prayer space in a given setting.
Offer participants the opportunity to grow in their connectedness with their own self, with others, with the world, and with God through the prayer spaces experience.
Enable participants to accompany others and explore their faith, spirituality, and life’s essential questions in a safe, creative, and interactive way.
Lead participants to understand better the shift from living merely to functioning, fulfilling demands and expectations to a more meaningful life.
Invite the participants to become aware that relationships are strengthened when one takes the time to appreciate and reflect upon them.

A prayer space can be set in various places. The setting can be a school, a youth centre, a parish hall, the workplace, an open-plan area, or an outdoor place.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Define what a prayer space is;
Identify different age groups of children and young people attending the prayer space;
Communicate in different ways with children, young people, or adults according to their age, culture, and language during a prayer space;
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;
Draw up a plan for planning, preparing, setting up, and running prayer spaces;
Report what educators and students said after they have experienced prayer spaces for themselves;
Evaluate what went well, identify difficulties and challenges in setting a prayer space;
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;
Make a connection between prayer spaces and other subjects

Reflect personally on a prayer space;
Plan a prayer space;
Prepare for the setting of prayer spaces;
Create simple and clear instruction cards, and prepare the resources related to the prayer space;
Set up the physical prayer space in any given space and/or venue.
Demonstrate a welcoming attitude to all children and young people of all faith and none who will be experiencing a prayer space;
Lead the children and young people to the safe, hands-on, creative prayer space and, when necessary, animate the prayer spaces;
Show a sense of accompaniment and being there for the person;
Operate with other members of staff who wish to give a helping hand before, during, and after the setting of a prayer space activity;
Recruit and train a prayer space team;
Run a Prayer Space;
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+

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
SPR5002	In-Person (Face-to-Face Learning)	2 ECTS

Rev. Paul Chetcuti SJ

The lecturer will introduce the concepts of prayer, spirituality, and religion. Participants will become aware of the superficial vs meaning-making, being, and the development of symbolic language.

Rev. Reuben Gauci

Prayer Spaces stations will be set up for participants to experience them for themselves. A lecture will follow about the values of prayer spaces, and participants will learn that prayer spaces are spiritual, reflective, inclusive, professional, and Christian.

Rev. Reuben Gauci

Prayer Spaces stations will be set up for participants to experience them for themselves. During the lecture about the purpose and theology of prayer spaces, participants will learn that prayer spaces help one reflect and develop reflective thinking skills; and see this in terms of four key relationships: the self, other people, the World, the sacred, and divine. They will also learn that God made everyone spiritual; God has a mission, welcomes, hears, cares, speaks, and acts.

Rev. Reuben Gauci

Prayer Spaces stations will be set up for participants to experience them for themselves. A lecture about preparing for the setting of prayer spaces will follow. Participants will learn how to get started with prayer spaces.

Ms Silvana Cardona:

Prayer Spaces stations will be set up for participants to experience them for themselves. A lecture about creating prayer activities will follow. Participants will learn how to choose and create prayer activities directed to the self, others, the World, and God and create activities that are a mix of learning styles; writing, listening, looking, reading, and doing.

Rev. Reuben Gauci

Prayer space stations will be set up for participants to experience them for themselves. A lecture about how to recruit and train an excellent prayer space team will follow, and participants will learn to recruit people who are prayerful, inclusive, reflective, professional, and safe. Participants will also learn how to set a good prayer space and how it can be welcoming to anyone who wishes to visit. They learn how to gather feedback and write a report as a follow-up.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time

The course is delivered over 18 contact hours spread over six 3-hour sessions.

Lectures will be held from 17:00 – 20:00

	Date	Session Title
Tuesday	21.11,2023	Introduction to Prayer
Thursday	23.11.2023	The Values of Prayer Spaces
Tuesday	28.11.2023	The Purpose of Prayer Spaces and Prayer Spaces Theology
Thursday	30.11.2023	Preparing for the setting of Prayer Spaces
Tuesday	05.12.2023	Creating Prayer Activities
Thursday	07.12.2023	Recruiting and training a prayer space team, running a Prayer Space and follow up

Certification: 

This course has three exit certificate options:

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 need to meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice online exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend at least 80% of the course`s contact hours;
pass the short multiple-choice online exam (40% of global assessment);
and successfully complete an assignment of 500 – 800 words about the steps needed to plan, prepare, set up, and evaluate an actual prayer space, including photos or short videos (up to 3 mins).

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

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

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

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, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

The Priest as an Emotional Support Giver

13/11/2023 Ta` Mlit, Mosta

The priest’s and the consecrated person’s main gift to their people is their availability, presence and the ability to spend time with them. Thus, they will also be involved in people’s lives as they experience challenges and difficulties. This course focuses on the relationship between the priest and laity; how this relationship may be developed in a healthy way and ultimately, how the priest can emotionally support the laity safely. Through self-awareness and self-reflection, the priest becomes more conscious of how he works, which is important for him to provide the best possible service to the community.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

Understand the working context with which the relationship between the priest and the people develops.
Value the experience of being with other people.
Comprehend the ambiguity surrounding priesthood and counselling.
Appreciate the challenge of maintaining boundaries.
Be aware of ethical issues.
Recognise the importance of self-care.

The course is intended for priests who give emotional support in their pastoral ministry.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The question of who the priest is poses critical concerns when discussing personal and professional identity. We will investigate whether there is a link between the priest’s personal identity and his priestly identity and analyse the role of the priest in modern culture. The priest oversees a vast range of responsibilities, realities, and ministries, and is present with many people from various backgrounds. Being present with the people is an essential part of the priest’s pastoral ministry, and without specific talents, the priest may feel fatigued, unsatisfied, and possibly incapable of meeting people’s needs. We will discuss what perceptions people have of priests and whether such perceptions are consistent with their roles.

Trustworthiness is critical for spiritual leaders and the reputation of a Church. Priests must inspire loyalty and keep their promises, avoid exploiting people’s vulnerabilities, model character, and keep sensitive information private. To maintain trust and trustworthiness, confidentiality is required. Priests should follow a set of guidelines designed to help people improve their decision-making skills and distinguish between right and wrong when the line is blurred. Many priests struggle with their role as a counsellor due to a lack of therapeutic skills and theoretical perspectives. We will gain a better understanding of how Catholic priests deliver such sessions and what they consider beneficial or unsuccessful.

The priest must maintain appropriate boundaries with the laity to protect the relationship. This includes maintaining a psychological distance and being aware of the conventions, regulations, or codes that characterise an individual’s personal space or environment. Healthy boundaries provide individuals with a nurturing and safe physical, emotional, sexual, and spiritual environment. During the session, we will discover more about three types of limits: time boundaries, space boundaries, and emotional boundaries. We will be more aware that setting boundaries is critical to self-care. Another aspect of self-care is leisure. It is possible to believe that leisure is an escape from responsibility, but leisure should pervade all aspects of a priest’s life and service.

The course is delivered in 3 sessions (6 contact hours) over 3 weeks. The 2 hour weekly sessions are held on Mondays between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre. Free parking facilities are available.

Monday at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Date	Lecture Title
13th November	Recognise how the priest’s role in today’s setting fulfils his identity while valuing the experience of being with other people.
20th November	Recognise ethical issues while understanding the ambiguity of priesthood and counselling
27th November	Recognise the value of self-care as well as the difficulty of maintaining boundaries.

Certification: 

This course has two exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend all the course contact hours.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend all contact hours;
and successfully complete the course`s assessment (case study analysis)

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

Course in Spiritual Direction for Priests

06/11/2023 Rivotorto Retreat House, Birkirkara

This course gives a brief outline of the development of Spiritual Direction throughout Church History.

It aims to give a better understanding of the movements of the Spirit and to delve deeper into the process of discernment of the will of God in day-to-day decisions. This course helps in building a better personal relationship with God within different contexts which the director and/or directee may encounter in daily life. Apart from the theoretical part, this course gives practical skills to understand better the way the Spirit of God leads the person.

At the end of the course the priest will be able to make a clear distinction between spiritual direction and other roles within the ministry itself; consolidate where necessary such practices and give insights for better accompaniment in the priests’ ministry as Spiritual Directors.

It is a course that the director will benefit from both on a personal level and in his ministry when accompanying the directee.

This course is intended for priests who accompany persons in Spiritual Direction.

Target Audience Age: 18+

6th November 2023

Session Title	Speaker
Session 1: Welcoming introduction and Sharing of Experiences	Rev. Ronnie Zammit
Session 2: The difference between Pastoral Mentoring, Confession, and Spiritual Direction	Rev. Dr Jimmy Bonnici
Session 3: Experiences	Rev. Dr Jimmy Bonnici
Session 4: Spiritual Direction from the Sources of Tradition: the needs which arose throughout the years and the dynamics addressed in relation to spiritual direction	Mr Natalino Camilleri

7th November 2023

Session Title	Speaker
Session 1: Different prayer methods	Rev. Prof. Mark Sultana
Session 2: Spiritual movements: the different experiences which the human being passes through	Rev. Prof. Mark Sultana

8th November 2023

Session Title	Speaker
Session 1: Welcoming introduction and sharing of experiences	Rev. Dr Jimmy Bonnici
Session 2: Living our faith throughout the different stages of life: the call to mature discipleship	Rev. Dr Jimmy Bonnici
Session 3: The Dynamics and Interior struggle of our interior life	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ

20th November 2023

Session Title	Speaker
Session 1: Spiritual discernment: the spiritual movements	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ
Session 2: Rules of Discernment of Spirits – First Week	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ
Session 3: The Importance of Desires	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ
Session 4:Rules of discernment of Spirits – Second Week	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ

21st November 2023

Session Title	Speaker
Session 1: Discerning in the process of spiritual direction: discerning God’s will in daily life or in taking important decisions	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ
Session 2: Some Ignatian Exercises that Help in making choices	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ
Session 3: Three times for doing an election	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ
Session 4:Suggestions by St Ignatius on dealing with the discerning person	Rev. Christopher Vella SJ

15th January 2024

Session Title	Speaker
Listening and Communication skills (psychological & spiritual level in the director & directee)	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ & Ms Jenny Zammit

16th January 2024

Session Title	Speaker
Session 1: A Short and Quick History of Spiritual Direction	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 2: What is Spiritual Direction?	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 3: Myself as a Spiritual Director	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 4: Bill`s Case	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ

5th February 2024

Session Title	Speaker
Session 1: Director Directee Relationship	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 2: The Spiritual Interview	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 3: Blockages in Prayer	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 4: Psychological Dynamics in Spiritual Direction	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ

6th February 2024

Session Title	Speaker
Session 1: Feelings in Interpersonal Relationships PC	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 2: God Talk	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 3: Dealing with Guilt	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ
Session 4: Accompanying the Sick and the Dying	Rev. Alfred Micallef SJ

Certification:

This course has two exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance is received if one attends all the contact hours of this course.

Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend all the contact hours
and successfully complete an assignment/journal/presentation or case study analysis.

Assessment: Written assignment at the end of the course.

Final Award: Accompaniment in Spiritual Direction for Priests

PFI Level: Level 5

Duration: 4 months part-time (54 hours)