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Delving Deep into the Gospels – Easter Narratives

27/11/2024

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

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

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

3. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Fondazzjoni Sebħ Staff

30/10/2024   Fondazzjoni Sebħ Premises, Ħamrun
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 is designed for employees and volunteers who work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults, or who handle their data. Participants will gain an understanding of the key principles of safeguarding and develop skills to create and maintain a safe environment for all individuals in their care.

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

  1. Familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. Understand legal obligations concerning child abuse
  3. Identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. Understand disclosures of abuse
  5. Identify core principles of safeguarding
  6. Practise professional boundaries effectively
  7. Know their legal obligations under the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. Recognise different types of abuse and poor practices
  9. Learn a standard response to disclosures of abuse
  10. Recognise signs of abuse
  11. Identify appropriate actions to take when concerned and understand who to approach for support

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Fondazzjoni Sebħ employees who work with children and vulnerable adults and handle their data.

The course is delivered over two sessions: (a) a 3-hour, in-person session, and (b) 2 hours of recorded material accessible on our Moodle platform.

Group 1
Lecturing Period
SessionDate & TimeVenueMode of Delivery
Understanding Types and Indicators of Abuse, Responding to Disclosures, and Safeguarding Principles8th November 2024 from 9:00am to 12:00pmFondazzjoni Sebħ premises, ĦamrunIn-person
Understanding Local Legislation, Church and State Policies on Abuse, and Safeguarding Code of Conduct8th November – 15th November 2024–Recorded material accessible on our Moodle platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam15th November 202422nd November 2024
Reflective Journal15th November 202416th December 2024
Group 2
Lecturing Period
SessionDate & TimeVenueMode of Delivery
Understanding Types and Indicators of Abuse, Responding to Disclosures, and Safeguarding Principles14th November 2024 from 9:00am to 12:00pmFondazzjoni Sebħ premises, ĦamrunIn-person
Understanding Local Legislation, Church and State Policies on Abuse, and Safeguarding Code of Conduct14th November – 21st November 2024–Recorded material accessible on our Moodle platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam21st November 2024 28th November 2024
Reflective Journal21st November 20246th January 2025

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who attend the in-person session, watch all the recorded material, and do not submit any course assessments.

  1. Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to students who attend the in-person session, watch all the recorded material, and pass from short multiple-choice online quiz.

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students who attend the in-person session, watch all the recorded material, and pass from short multiple-choice online quiz and written assignment.

Only participants who receive a Certificate of Achievement will be awarded an MQF certification.

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute

Awarding 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.

Language: Applicants must understand in both Maltese and English.

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

The Sacrament of Baptism

08/10/2024

This course is aimed at parents who choose to baptize their child. They will be invited to follow this course from the comfort of their home. Firstly, they will learn about the theology of baptism and what baptism entails. They will then proceed to go through the rite of baptism, understanding its various moments so that during the celebration, they will have a deeper understanding of the process. Finally, these parents will be given suggestions on how to live out the baptismal promises within their family.

New parents

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will be delivered online through a series of recorded videos accessible on our VLE platform.

SessionTheme
Session 1The Theology of Baptism – What is Baptism?
Session 2The Rite of Baptism
Session 3Living out the promises of Baptism

This course has one exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when watching all recorded lectures available on VLE platform.

Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

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

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

Ħarbex

24/09/2024

Dan il-kors hu eliġibbli għall-iskema Get Formed! Din l-iskema trodd lura 70% tal-ispejjeż tal-kors lill-istudent ladarba jlesti l-kors. Għal iktar informazzjoni, żur: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

Jekk qatt pruvajt tħarbex żewġ akkordji, xi melodija, jew xi biċċa lirika bil-Malti, dan huwa l-kors għalik!

Ħarbex huwa kors ta’ 3 workshops li l-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azopardi qed torganizza b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Pastoral Formation Institute u l-Malta Catholic Youth Network (MCYN) għal żgħażagħ bejn 18-35 sena u individwi li huma involuti f’pastorali maż-żgħażagħ.

L-għan tal-kors hu li jservi ta’ gwida u ispirazzjoni sabiex tħaddem il-ħiliet mużikali u litterali li diġà hemm fik biex jinkitbu għanjiet ġodda għat-talba tal-quddies. Se jkollna magħna għadd ta’ saċerdoti u lajċi li se jaqsmu magħna riżorsi u testimonjanzi li se jħeġġuna nifhmu l-attitudni tagħna fid-diversi mumenti li ngħixu f’din it-talba. Flimkien se jkollna mumenti li fihom se nkunu qed nerfgħu qlubna ‘l fuq, kif aħna mistiedna nagħmlu f’kull quddies.

Ħinijiet ta’ inkontri ma’ xulxin mhumiex se jkunu neqsin, u xejn inqas ħinijiet allokati biex nibdew inħarbxu xi ħaġa wkoll, kemm b’mod individwali, kif ukoll ma’ ħaddieħor. Għandna xewqa kbira li, flimkien magħkom, nixegħlu mqar fjamma t’interess u ta’ bidu.

Żgħażagħ bejn 18 – 35 sena u individwi li huma involuti f’pastorali maż-żgħażagħ.

The workshops will be held on Saturdays from 8:30am – 3:00pm

DataSessjoni
Saturday 18th January 2025L-Ordinarju fil-Quddiesa
Saturday 15th February 2025L-Adorazzjoni
Saturday 15th March 2025Il-Liturġija tas-Sigħat

Dan il-kors għandu tip ta’ ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

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

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

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

 

CPD for Diakonia Pastoral Workers (2024/25)

18/09/2024   TBA

This course is designed for those serving in the Diakonia sector of a parish, helping participants connect their ministry with their spiritual journey. It offers a deeper exploration of the concept of ‘peripheries’ in today’s society, as emphasized in the teachings of Pope Francis. Participants will also gain foundational skills for addressing mental health issues, enriched by real-life experiences that showcase the impactful work already being done in this field.

  • Pastoral operators, staff, or volunteers who work in the Diakonia ministry
  • People interested in this ministry

Target Audience Age: 18+

Please Note: Following this course does not entitle the student to become automatically a pastoral worker involved in Diakonia in any given parish. Pastoral workers involved in Diakonia are chosen by the pastor of the parish/community. 

DateSession TitleMode of DeliveryVenue
15th October 2024IntroductionRecorded Video–
October – December 2024The ‘peripheries’Recorded Videos–
18th January 2025
9:30am – 11:30am		In-person seminar In-personThe Archbishop’s Seminary
February – April 2025Delving Deeper in Mental Health IssuesRecorded Videos–
April 2025 – May 2025Diakonia in our Parishes – Real ExperiencesRecorded Videos–
May 2025In-person seminarTBATBA
This course has two exit certificate options: 
  1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Diakonia Commission

Qualifications: Each application will be evaluated based on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute welcomes a diverse array of qualifications, aiming to assess applications primarily in terms of academic potential. We consider a broad spectrum of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, alongside relevant work experiences and skills.

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

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

CPD – Course for Catechists on Christian Moral Formation

18/09/2024

This CPD course is designed to equip catechists with a comprehensive understanding of moral formation, focusing on the psychological and spiritual development of children and pre-adolescents. Over five engaging sessions, participants will learn how to tailor catechetical formation to meet the unique needs of each child, respecting their gradual development. The course integrates insights from social sciences and the Catholic moral tradition, grounding the content in the Gospel and contextualizing it within the family, academic, and community environments where children live.

Catechists will develop a deeper understanding of the Commandments as expressions of God’s love and covenant, and learn effective pedagogical strategies for communicating these teachings to children and pre-adolescents. The course also provides tools to convey the significance of the Beatitudes, helping catechists inspire the younger generation. Additionally, the program explores the moral formation of children in discovering their personal vocation.

By the end of this course, catechists will be empowered to confidently guide children and pre-adolescents on their moral and spiritual journeys, laying a strong foundation for a life rooted in Christian values.

  • Catechists
  • Other persons interested in the subject, may also apply.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Lectures will be on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:00pm

at Archbishops’ Curia Refectory

DateLecture Title
26/10/2024The Development of the Moral Formation of Children: A Psychological Perspective
25/01/2025The Formation of Moral Conscience in Children and Pre-Adolescents
22/02/2025The Decalogue
26/04/2025The Beatitudes
24/05/2025Accompanying Children and Adolescents in the Discovery of their Vocation
This course has two exit certificate options: 
  1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend 80% of contact hours and pass from short multiple-choice online exam.

Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Lifelong Catechesis

Qualifications: Each application will be evaluated based on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute welcomes a diverse array of qualifications, aiming to assess applications primarily in terms of academic potential. We consider a broad spectrum of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, alongside relevant work experiences and skills.

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

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

 

Preparing Catechists for the Christian Initiation of Adults

17/09/2024
RCIA

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 is designed to prepare committed Catholics to serve as catechists, guiding individuals on their journey toward full membership in the Catholic Church. Participants will learn how to accompany and support those discerning whether to join the Church, as well as newly baptized Catholics in their first months of initiation. The course will cover the key stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), from initial inquiry to the period of Mystagogy, ensuring catechists are equipped to share the teachings of the Church with clarity, compassion, and faithfulness.

This course is intended for committed Catholics who would like to share their experience of what it means to be part of the Church with persons who are in a process of discernment about whether to become Catholics. Ideally, these persons would be active in a particular parish where the persons that they would be accompanying could become eventually rooted following their baptism.

This course does not entitle the student to become an accompanying person for Catechumens. The accompanying persons are appointed by the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Team in collaboration with the Parish Priest/Chaplain of the respective community.

Target audience: 25+

Module 1 – Introduction to Basic Themes in Theology

This module will be offered entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Module 2 – Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation

These sessions will be held from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

These sessions will be held at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

DateSession
8th January 2025The Initiation in the Early Church
15th January 2025The Development of the Rite/Order of the Christian Initiation of Adults
22nd January 2025Catechising During the Pre-Catechumenate Phase
And “Identity of the Catechist”
29th January 2025Catechising During the Catechumenate and the Enlightenment Phases
And “Methodology in Catechesis”
5th February 2025Catechising During Mystagogy
And “The Liturgy as a Mystagogical Journey”

Module 3: Practicum

Those who successfully finish Module 2 – Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation may apply for this module which will consist in a 20 hour supervised accompaniment of a person going through the RCIA process, whilst being supported by other persons such as the parish priest and the catechists who will be providing catechesis to the person concerned, often in a group context.

This course has one exit certificate option:

1. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when students attend 80% of course contact hours and successfully complete and pass from all assessments, which are:

(i) a short online assessment

and,

(ii) a written assignment / reflective journal.

Enrolment for this course necessitates a recommendation from the Parish Priest/Chaplain of the relevant community, a requirement that is subsequently verified by PFI.

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

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

Introduction to The Book of Ruth for Daughters of the Sacred Heart

23/08/2024   Nuzzo Institute, Ħamrun

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

Novices of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00am to 11:00am

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

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificates of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

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

Language: Applicants must be proficient in English.

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

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – Curia Staff

20/08/2024
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

  • Curia employees who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Curia employees 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.

November 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person26th November 2024
from 10:30am to 1:30pm		Archbishops’ Curia
Recorded Material26th November – 3rd December 2024Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam26th November 20243rd December 2024
Reflective Journal26th November 20247th January 2025

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.

The Jubilee – Pilgrims of Hope for Iklin Parish

19/08/2024   Iklin Parish Centre
Jubilee - Pilgrims of Hope

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

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

Iklin Pastoral Workers

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place Tuesdays from 6:40pm – 8:40pm

DateSession
17th September 2024Introduction –
What does the word ‘Jubilee’ mean? The Jubilee in Sacred Scriptures
What does the word ‘Pilgrimage’ mean? The Pilgrimage in the Sacred Scriptures
24th September 2024Hope in the Old Testament
Hope in the New Testament and in the first communities of the Church
1st October 2024The Jubilee in Our Parish

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

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

Certificate of Participation

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

Certificate of Achievement  

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

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

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

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