Archives

Parish Volunteering

21/05/2025

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 short course offers an engaging introduction to the mission and ministry of volunteering within a Catholic parish. It explores the spiritual foundations, practical responsibilities, and community impact of parish volunteering. Designed for new and prospective volunteers, the course provides an understanding of how their service contributes to the Church’s mission and offers guidance for serving effectively, faithfully, and joyfully.

New or prospective parish volunteers, both youth and adults

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
15th September 2025Called to Serve – The Spiritual Heart of Volunteering
22nd September 2025The Life of the Parish – Ministries and Mission
29th September 2025Ethics, Boundaries, and Responsibility
6th October 2025Building Community; Collaboration and finding your place
13th October 2025Formation; Spiritual Growth and Next Steps

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 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.

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

20/05/2025

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

Holy Communion: Continuing the Journey

16/05/2025

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/.

Building on Introduction to Holy Communion, this course aims to explore the Holy Eucharist in greater depth as the source and summit of Christian life. It will delve into the scriptural foundations of the sacrament, such as the Emmaus story, while appreciating Eucharistic themes in classical paintings and sacred music.

Participants will also discover how the Eucharist transcends Sunday worship, inspiring daily life and social justice, and enriching their ministry.

  • 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 parish priests.

Target Audience Age: 18+

This course comprises pre-recorded lectures, which can be accessed on the Moodle platform at a time and pace that suits you. The lectures will cover the following topics:

  • The Emmaus Narrative
  • The Eucharist in Sacred Art
  • The Eucharist in Sacred Music
  • The Eucharist – the spirituality of the ministry
  • Living the Mass

This course has one exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Participation

Students will receive a Certificate of Participation upon completing all recordings and successfully passing a short online assessment.

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.

It is suggested that applicants complete the ‘Introduction to Holy Communion’ course before enrolling in this course.

Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for General Staff

15/05/2025   Ta' Mlit
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension for General Staff is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 3, as Further Education Programme.

Spirituality is an important aspect of holistic care that is frequently overlooked. This is because of difficulties in conceptualizing spirituality and confusion about how it should be integrated in the care of the elderly. The program seeks to explore what is meant by spirituality and spiritual competent practice. It examines attitudes to spirituality, provides an exploration of the assessment of patients’ spiritual care needs, describes factors that might affect the integration of spirituality into nursing care and offers practical guidance to equip healthcare workers to incorporate spirituality into their practice.

General Staff like domestic staff, chefs, receptionists, maintenance persons and drivers in elderly homes.

This course consists of 10 sessions.

Session 1: Defining Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Healthcare – Competencies in Spiritual Care

Spirituality and spiritual care in health relate to how patients and health professionals seek and express meaning, purpose, connection, value, or transcendence in the context of illness and well-being. A growing body of evidence indicates that spirituality is linked to better health outcomes, patient satisfaction, medical decision-making, and quality of life.

This session will introduce various definitions of spirituality and spiritual care, along with the multidimensional nature of the spiritual field.

Session 2: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Spirituality

Intraperonal Spirituality deals with personal spirituality as to provide spiritual care the healthcare worker must be spiritual him/herself. The student is made aware of the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness to better himself as a person and as a provider of spiritual care. Interpersonal spirituality deals with building a relationship with people through effective communication skills. It refers to a person’s spirituality that acknowledges their unique spiritual and cultural world views evoking feelings of companionship and compassionate care.

Session 3: Spiritual Assessment and Evaluation of Care

In this session, learners are introduced to formal and informal approaches for assessing patients’ spiritual needs, planning appropriate interventions based on available resources, and evaluating whether these needs have been met.

Session 4: Loss, Grief, and Compassion in the Elderly

Learners will explore the inevitable experiences of grief and loss, as well as feelings of isolation in the elderly. Gaining an understanding of the grief process, as described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, will help healthcare workers prevent spiritual distress and provide compassionate care for older adults.

Session 5: Spiritual Care in Elderly Rehabilitation of the Elderly Care

This session will explore the specific spiritual needs of elderly individuals in rehabilitation. It will focus on how healthcare workers can create opportunities for them to engage in creative activities and better confront their feelings of suffering and solitude.

Session 6: Spiritual Care and Mental Health

This session will introduce learners to the various mental health issues that elderly individuals may face and equip healthcare workers with the skills needed to manage and care for them effectively.

Session 7: Spiritual Care in Dementia

This session will introduce learners to dementia in the elderly, providing guidance on managing their care and equipping family members with essential skills to better understand and support their loved ones.

Session 8: The Role of Religion in Spiritual Care for the Elderly

This session will focus on the role of religiosity as an integral aspect of spiritual care.

Session 9: The Sacraments in Different Religions and Spirituality

Learners will explore religious practices across various denominations within society.

Session 10: Case Scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care

This session will present various case scenarios to assess and evaluate learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired throughout the programme, enabling them to apply these effectively when caring for the elderly.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

The course will be held on Tuesdays 9:00am – 11:00am.

DateSession
28th October 2025Defining ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Spiritual Care’ in Healthcare Competencies in spiritual care
4th November 2025Interpersonal and intrapersonal spirituality
11th November 2025Spiritual assessment and evaluation of care
18th November 2025Loss, grief and compassion in the elderly
25th November 2025Spiritual care in the rehabilitation of the elderly
2nd December 2025Spiritual care and mental health
9th December 2025Spiritual care in dementia
13th January 2026The role of religion in spiritual care for the elderly
20th January 2026The Christian Sacraments and other sacred rites in different religions
27th January 2026Case scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care
17th February 2026Exam

This course has one exit certificate option: 

Certificate of Achievement 

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

  • attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours
  • complete and pass from written examination

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 3

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 3 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension for General Staff is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 3, as Further Education Programme.

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.

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.

Ignatian Rules of Spiritual Discernment

14/05/2025

“Discernment” has become a buzzword in contemporary Church circles, thanks to late Pope Francis’ frequent invitations to undertaking discerning processes.

The influence of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuit order) is clear: indeed, some of the more famous and more frequently quoted parts of this classic Christian work are in fact the “Rules for Discernment of Spirits”. Centuries of Church experience have proven these rules to be a solid foundation for proceeding in a journey of discernment with greater security and depth.

By attending this course, students will become familiar with the Rules for Discernment of Spirits outlined by St. Ignatius in his Exercises: their content, their timing within the dynamic of the Spiritual Exercises, their continuing validity and correct implementation in today’s world. Enriched by this knowledge, students will then also explore Ignatius’ proposals for how to pray about fundamental life choices.

  • Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God
  • Individuals with at least some experience of spiritual direction or of spiritual discernment

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
1st October 2025What are the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola?
8th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Consolation
15th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Desolation
22nd October 2025Going deeper
29th October 2025Making life choices

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.

Growing in the Franciscan Way

13/05/2025   Various

This course offers a deepening exploration of Franciscan spirituality through key themes and figures that shaped the Franciscan movement. Building on the foundations of St Francis’ life and teachings, participants will engage with the spiritual journeys of St Clare and the 2nd Order, the emergence of the 3rd Order, and the lived experience of Franciscan values in contemporary life. Special focus will be given to Francis’ relationship with the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, while also reflecting on how the Franciscan vision continues to inspire efforts toward justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. The course will highlight the relevance of the Franciscan charism as a model for renewal in the Church today.

This course is designed for Franciscan Collaborators and individuals interested to explore and deepen their knowledge in Franciscan Spirituality.

Target Audience Age: 18+

October 2025

Date and TimeSessionVenue
11th October
9:30am – 12:30pm		Clare and the Monastic Life
(the 2nd Order)		St. Clare’s Monastery
San Gwann
14th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Saint Francis and the
Blessed Virgin Mary		ĊAK, Birkirkara
21th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Rules of St. Clare
and the 3rd Order		ĊAK, Birkirkara
28th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Inspiration of Saint Francis;
a model for the Church		ĊAK, Birkirkara

November 2025

4th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The 3rd Order and the
Secular Franciscan Order		ĊAK, Birkirkara
8th November
9:30am – 12:30pm		SeminarConvent of the Capuchins,
Kalkara
11th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Social Communication and the
Franciscan Spirituality		ĊAK, Birkirkara
18th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		St Francis and the EucharistĊAK, Birkirkara
25th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of
Saint Francis		ĊAK, Birkirkara

December 2025

2nd December
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Franciscan ideal for more just social systemsĊAK, Birkirkara
9th December
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Important figures inspired
by Saint Francis		ĊAK, Birkirkara

January 2026

17th January
9am – 12:30pm		Closing SeminarBurmarrad Parish House

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 presentation.

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.

Walking with the Bereaved

12/05/2025

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 introductory course is designed for pastoral workers and lay people who assist the funeral arrangements and preparations within the parish together with individuals who offer support to mourning individuals. The course aims to equip participants with essential training and awareness to provide compassionate and emotionally sensitive support to grieving individuals.

This course is designed for pastoral workers who assist with funeral arrangements and preparations within the parish and other lay people who support mourning individuals.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DateSession
6th October 2025Understanding Grief and Bereavement
13th October 2025Types of Grief with Biblical Examples
20th October 2025The Role of the Pastoral Workers in Grief Support
27th October 2025Supporting Grieving Families and Communities
10th November 2025Walking with the Bereaved Beyond the Funeral
17th November 2025Long-Term Bereavement Care and Self-Care for Pastors

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.

31/01/2026 – Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

07/04/2025
Safeguarding Others
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

  • Employees who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Employees who handle children and vulnerable adults` data
  • Volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Volunteers who handle children and vulnerable adults` data.
CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE/SCA4-23Blended Learning1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
  2. 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI’s Moodle Portal.

Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person31st January 2026
from 9am to 12pm		Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material31st January – 14th February 2026Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam31st January 202614th February 2026
Reflective Journal31st January 20262nd March 2026

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be rewarded to students who have:

  • attended in-person session
  • watched all the recorded material
  • and did not submit any course assessments.
  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation* will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple choice test. (please check the calendar tab above for exam dates)

  1. 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 online exam (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

*To obtain a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Participation, a student must; attend all the contact hours and successfully conclude the assessment/s.

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

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.