Online Courses – Pastoral Formation Institute

Riflessjoni Spiritwali: Ġimgħa Mqaddsa

13/03/2023 Online

Deskrizzjoni

F’dan il-kors, premezz ta’ vidjows qosra, ser naraw l-aspetti spiritwali u profondi tal-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa biex inkunu nistgħu nifhmu iktar dan il-Misteru tas-Salvazzjoni hekk kbir u importanti fil-ħajja Nisranija. Nibdew minn Ħadd il-Palm u d-daħla lejn Ġerusalemm (il-belt il-maħbuba li ma taċċettax l-imħabba), it-twaqqif tal-Ewkaristija f’Ħamis ix-Xirka u t-tifsira tal-ħasil tar-riġlejn, is-silenzju fil-Ġimgħa l-Kbira, l-istennija ma’ Marija s-Sibt filgħodu, it-tiġdid fil-velja tal-Għid bis-simboli tan-nar (id-dawl tal-ħajja), l-ilma li jippurifika lejn il-Glorja ta’ Sibt il-Għid u Ħadd il-Għid.

F’dan il-kors, Il-parteċipanti ser ikunu akkumpanjati matul din il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa bir-riflessjonijiet bibliċi u b’analiżi spiritwali. Il-mixja spiritwali ta’ kull Nisrani hija relatata mat-tbatija li għadda minnha Ġesù, speċjalment fil-mumenti tat-tradiment, solitudni, ġudizzju, biża’ u deċiżjonijiet diffiċli.

L-għan huwa li l-parteċipanti jaslu għall-għarfien tal-Qawmien, il-konsolazzjoni u tiġdid spiritwali u jagħrfu l-umiltà u l-għotja ta’ Ġesù fil-mixja tiegħu fuq din l-art, mill-qtugħ il-qalb fil-Ġnien tal-Ġetsemani, il-perseveranza matul il-passjoni sa ma wasal fil-glorja tal-qawmien.

L-applikazzjoni għal dawn ir-riflessjonijiet magħluqa. Grazzi u l-Għid it-Tajjeb

Kalendarju

Dan il-kors riflessiv dwar il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa huwa maqsum fuq 14-il vidjow qasir. L-applikant ser jirċievi username u password sabiex ikun jista’ jara dawn il-vidjows fuq l-appart elettroniku tiegħu. L-applikant jista’ jara dawn il-vidjows bil-kumdità tiegħu, x’ħin u fejn irid.

Il-username u l-password jintbagħtu lill-istudenti fi żmien gimgħa mil-applikazzjoni.

Applikazzjoni

Studenti tas-sena akkademika 2022-23 tal-Istitut ta’ Formazzjoni Pastorali għandhom isibu dan il-kors fil-account tal-Moodle tagħhom.

Nitoblu lill-operaturi pastorali reġistrati sabiex jimlew l-applikazzjoni minn fuq https://parrocci.knisja.mt/riflessjoni/ biex hekk jiġbru il-voucher li jippermetilhom ma jħallsux għal dawn is-sessjonijiet.

Jekk inti operatur pastorali u għadek mintiex reġistrat/a bħala operatur pastorali tista’ tirreġistra billi tagħfas hawn.

Applikanti li mhumiex studenti tal-Istitut ta’ Formazzjoni Pastorali tas-sena akkademika 2022-23, jew operaturi pastorali, jistgħu japplikaw permezz ta’ din l-applikazzjoni

Introduction to Holy Communion

01/01/2023 Online

Course Description

The course Introduction to the Eucharist is designed to give the extraordinary minister formation and direction for distributing communion during masses and to be a guide to help him/her in taking communion to those who are unable to join the community in person. By the end of this course the student will:

have a basic biblical and theological understanding of the teachings related to the Eucharist.
know the language in which liturgical worship is explicit.
learn most matters concerning the rite of Communion.
learn to appreciate more the sacrament of Holy Communion.
acquire a deeper knowledge of the role of the extraordinary minister.
grasp the spiritual meaning that this role entails

Intended For

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who provide a service during church masses, in residential elderly homes or homebound sick persons.
Those who wish to learn to appreciate more the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Those who are starting their service as extraordinary ministers.

Please Note: Doing this course does not entitle the student to become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Extraordinary ministers are chosen by the pastor of the parish/community.

Curriculum

Part 1: God With Us – Dogmatic Theology

Christian theology on God’s revelation in the Eucharist.
The communitarian dimension of the Eucharist.
Eucharistic miracles around the world.
Re-actualisation – understanding the past, present and future dimensions of the sacraments.
Terminology for the Blessed Sacrament.

Part 2: The Biblical Foundations of the Eucharist

The scriptural perspective of the Church’s teachings on the Eucharist.
The foreshadowing of the Eucharist in the Old Testament.
The Last Supper narratives.
The testimony of St Paul on the Eucharist.
Exegesis.

Part 3: The Eucharist in Daily Life

The role of the extraordinary minister at mass and at home.
The effects of the Eucharist on the community.
Cultivating my relationship with God through the Eucharist.
Way of life of the extraordinary minister.
The spiritual dimension of the role of the Eucharistic minister – testimonials:

Calendar

The course is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 18 minutes long. The student will be provided with a username and a password so s/he can watch these sessions on his/her own device. The total number of minutes amounts to 5-6 hours including the assessment.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment: Multiple choice test after each online session. The pass mark is 60%.

Certificate: Certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all the sessions and pass all the assessments.

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Awarding and Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Entry Requirement

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.

A very well-prepared course – portraying the beauty of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Unfortunately, we tend to take the Eucharist for granted. After following the course, you become more aware of the importance behind this ministry.

Maria Farrugia

It is more than an introduction – it highlights the treasure we have in the Catholic faith of having the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and how honoured we should feel when we are called to share in the eucharistic ministry.

Sr Teresa Tonna

Thank you for this enriching experience. It helped me grow spiritually and gave me the opportunity to look at the sacrament of the eucharist in a profound way.

Melanie Ungaro

Since I work in a church school and I’m directly involved in the spiritual formation of our students I had wanted to do this course. The way it was presented was very convenient to do it at my own time. Found it very informative and interesting

Eugenia Blake

The course has challenged me and also helped me to believe more in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. I also thank the team of PFI.

Sr Rosemary Onyinyechi Akamnonu

I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Lectures were short, to the point & well delivered. Apart from providing me with factual information about the Eucharist, this course has deepened my appreciation and love for the Blessed Sacrament.

Christine Galea

Introduction to Holy Mass

01/01/2023 Online

Course Description

The course Introduction to the Holy Mass is designed to give all those involved in the preparation of the Liturgy, formation for a better understanding of the different parts of the Eucharistic celebration. In light of Sacrosanctum Concilium’s desire to restore the celebration of the Mass to the vigour it enjoyed in Patristic times the course intends to explain the liturgico-historical roots of the different rites of the Mass for a better understanding of the celebration of the Eucharist according to the post-conciliar Missale Romanum. Moreover, such knowledge will enable the participants to put into practice the much desired active participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Mass.

By the end of this course the student will: 

– have a basic liturgical and theological understanding of the celebration of the Mass according to the Missale Romanum 1975.

– know the language in which liturgical worship is explicated. 

– know the historical roots of the different parts of the Mass.

– learn most matters concerning the different rites which compose the celebration of the Mass.  

– acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different roles, members of the assembly hold. 

– grasp the spiritual meaning that these roles entail

Intended For

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion,
Lectors, Animators,
Choir members,
members of the Parish Liturgical Commission
and those interested in understanding better the celebration of the Eucharist.

Curriculum

Part 1: The Introductory Rites  

The Introit
Greeting of the Altar and of the Assembly  
The Act of Penance
The Kyrie Eleison
The Gloria
The Collect

Part 2: The Liturgy of the Word  

The Readings and the Responsorial Psalm
The Acclamation and the Gospel
The Homily
The Profession of Faith
The Prayer of the Faithful.

Part 3: The Liturgy of the Eucharist 

The Offertory
The Preface
The Eucharistic Prayer I
The Eucharistic Prayer II
The Eucharistic Prayer III
The Eucharistic Prayer IV
The Eucharistic Prayer V
The Eucharistic Prayer of Reconciliation I and II

Part 4: The Communion Rite

The Lord’s Prayer
The Rite of Peace
The Fraction
Communion
The Concluding Rites

Calendar

The course is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 15 minutes long. The student will be provided with a username and a password so s/he can watch these sessions at his/her own computer or other technological device. The total number of minutes amount to 6-7hrs including the assessment.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment: Multiple choice test after each online session. The pass mark is 60%.

Certificate: Certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all the sessions and pass all the assessments.

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Awarding and Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Entry Requirement

Benedictine Spirituality Today

17/10/2022 Ta` Mlit, Mosta

The course Benedictine Spirituality for Today is designed to introduce people to the life and teachings of St Benedict of Norcia (480 – 547), Patriarch of Western Monastics, and Patron of Europe. St Benedict is well-known for his Rule, in which he carefully integrates prayer, manual labor, and study into a well-rounded daily routine.

His Rule for Monasteries is steeped in Sacred Scripture and is presented as a small guide for beginners. This course shows the Rule of St Benedict as a handbook whose teachings can be readily applied to twenty-first century Christians willing to live their Christian lives in a parish, school, hospital community, or any other community, which for them would be a school of the Lord’s Service’. The ultimate aim is holiness and beholding the face of God.

Currently, enrolment is not open for this course. For further information contact us on [email protected]

have a basic knowledge of the life of St Benedict of Norcia as described in the Dialogues of St Gregory the Great;
be conversant with the major themes in the Rule of St Benedict;
be able to describe Benedictine Spirituality as a way of receiving and giving Blessings within the context of a School of the Lord’s Service;
have read at least the most important parts of the Rule of St Benedict;
be able to identify some major Benedictine geographic landmarks today;
have come across some of the commentators on the Rule of St Benedict;
have been introduced in general terms to Basil and Cassian, as indicated by St Benedict himself;
have been introduced in general terms to the life and writings of Bernard of Clairvaux.
attempt to work out a spirituality based on Benedict’s teachings for the workplace, the family, leisure time, and the digital world of social media

confidently discuss the values and virtues that St Benedict promotes in his Rule;
have had time to reflect on how to apply Benedictine values in their daily lives.

Those who are in search of God in their daily lives.
Beginners in the spiritual life who would like to explore ‘a small rule for beginners’ as they journey towards God.
People are interested in Saint Benedict as a master and guide of the spiritual life.

People who would like to explore what Saint Benedict may have to offer for their spiritual journey.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Currently, enrolment is not open for this course. For further information contact us on [email protected]

Lecture 1: Introduction

Benedictine Places and things: Via Benedicti, Pax inter Spinas, Pax, the Benedictine Medal, and St Benedict from the Dialogues of St Gregory the Great Book 2
Reading St Benedict 1 – Introduction on preparing a personalized list of Benedict’s maxims
Prologue, Chapter 73, texts on the Abbot

Lecture 2:

Texts on Meekness and Obedience
Texts on Prayer and Liturgy

Lecture 3:

A school of the Lord’s Service
Texts on Synodality

Lecture 1:

The Three Benedictine Vows – Obedience, Stability, and Conversion of Manners
The Three Components of the Benedictine Day – Ora et Labora et Lege

Lecture 2:

The Ten Benedictine Values – I: The Three Ls – Listening, Lectio Divina, Liturgy
The Ten Benedictine Values – II: The Three Hs – Humility, Humanity and Hospitality

Lecture 3:

The Ten Benedictine Values – III: The Four Ss – Spiritual Fatherhood, Stability, seeking God, and Silences
The seventy-two instruments of good works

Lecture 1:

Towards a Benedictine Spirituality of the workplace for managers and others
Towards a Benedictine Spirituality of Parish Life

Lecture 2:

Hints from Benedict that may be applied to the digital world of social media
Spiritual Direction in the Rule of St Benedict

Lecture 3:

Reading Basil and Cassian – selected texts
Bernard of Clairvaux – the purification of Benedict

The course is delivered over 27 contact hours over 9 weeks. The 3-hour sessions are held weekly on Mondays between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Venue: Ta` Mlit, Mosta

Currently, enrolment is not open for this course. For further information contact us on [email protected]

Part 1 : Reading the Dialogues of St Gregory the Great and The Rule of St Benedict

Lecture 1	Monday 17^th October 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 2	Monday 24^th October 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 3	Monday 31^st October 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Part 2: Benedictine Spirituality in Numbers – The Major Themes of The Rule of St Benedict

Lecture 1	Monday 7^th November 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 2	Monday 14^th November 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 3	Monday 21^st November 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Part 3: Applying Benedict

Lecture 1	Monday 28^th November 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 2	Monday 5^th December 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 3	Monday 12^th December 2022	5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

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 three-course multiple-choice online exams.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend at least 80% of the course`s contact hours;
pass the three short multiple-choice online exams;
and successfully complete a short essay of at least 500 words;

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: Applicants are required to have an end-of-primary school level of understanding of Maltese and English

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use a word processor