Short Course

Beyond the Classroom: A Milani Approach to Pastoral and Educational Formation Today

21/05/2026

The course connects Lorenzo Milani’s pedagogical insights with current challenges faced in Maltese schools and pastoral formation centres, such as student disengagement, social inequality, digital culture, and the pastoral accompaniment of children and young people. Participants will be invited to reflect on how educators, catechists, and pastoral leaders can foster environments of formation rooted in dignity, belonging, participation, and the ethos of “I care,” in line with the mission of the Church in Malta.

This course explores the educational vision of Lorenzo Milani and its relevance for contemporary Catholic formal education and pastoral ministry in Malta. Through five sessions, participants examine Milani’s life, the experience of the Barbiana school, and key themes from Letter to a Teacher, including inclusion, equity, literacy, and the formation of conscience.

This course is designed for:

  • Teachers and members of staff in Church and state schools in Malta, including primary and secondary educators, Learning Support Educators (LSEs), pastoral care teams, and school leaders. 
  • Youth ministers and pastoral leaders working with children and adolescents in parish, diocesan, and community settings. 

The course is intended for adults engaged in the educational and faith formation of children and young people (approximately ages 6–18), and who seek to strengthen their practice through inclusive, faith-based, and socially responsive approaches inspired by the vision of Lorenzo Milani.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on 3 Saturdays at

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

DateTimeSession
17th October 20269:00am – 19:30am

10:45am – 12:15pm		Part 1: Don Lorenzo Milani: Life, Context, and Prophetic Mission in a Fragmented WorldPart 2: Understanding those whom we accompany
Part 2: The School of Barbiana: Community, Belonging, and Deep Learning
7th November 20269:00am – 19:30am

10:45am – 12:15pm		Part 1: Letter to a Teacher: Inclusion, Equity, and the Crisis of Motivation
Part 2: Conscience, Peace, and Digital Responsibility
5th December 20269:00am – 11:00amMilani’s Legacy Today: Building Schools that Say “I Care”

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 a 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.

Catechetical Preparation 2026: Growing in Faith and Service

15/05/2026

This course offers an integrated formation for those called to share and nurture faith in today’s world. Through five focused sessions, participants will explore the method and spirit of catechesis, gain insights into those they accompany, and address the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. The course also deepens understanding of the Church’s moral and social teaching while fostering the personal and spiritual growth of the catechist. Designed to strengthen both competence and conviction, this programme equips participants to serve as authentic witnesses and effective ministers in the mission of evangelization.

Rabat Parish Catechists

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on 3 Fridays from 5:00pm to 7:15pm at

Ċentru San Luqa, Nigret, Rabat

DateSession
4th September 2026Part 1: Introduction on the Method of Catechesis
Part 2: Understanding those whom we accompany
11th September 2026Part 1: The Digital Era and Catechesis – Practical Aspects
Part 2: The Moral and Social Teaching of the Church
18th September 2026The Formation of the Catechist: Foundations for Effective Ministry

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 a 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.

The Dignity of Work: Catholic Social Teaching and Economic Justice

15/05/2026

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/

These three seminars will offer an in-depth exploration of one of the key themes of the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church. Throughout these sessions, different aspects related to work will be discussed. The course encourages reflection on how Catholic Social Teaching on work developed in the last two centuries in response to the evolution of the work context, the interplay between work and the economic system and the relation between work and family life. Discussions will also address rights and responsibilities within the context of work. Participants will be challenged to consider how the Social Teachings of the Church can inform and shape their daily lives. 

Anyone with an interest in the Catholic Social Teaching and their interplay in working life. 

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 9:00am to 11:00am at

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
10th October 2026Work & Its evolution through the ages
21st November 2026Work & the economic system
23rd January 2027Work & family life 

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

Introduction to Communal Discernment

15/05/2026   Various

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 introduces the principles and practices of communal discernment in the Catholic tradition. Participants will explore how communities can prayerfully seek God’s will together, grounded in Scripture, Church teaching, and Ignatian spirituality. Through reflection, dialogue, and practical exercises, you will learn to integrate spiritual listening and mission-oriented decision-making in your context.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
7th October 2026Examples of Communal Discernment in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Ignatian Tradition
14th October 2026Principles of Communal Discernment
21st October 2026Steps in the Process
28th October 2026Ignatian Tools: Consolation, Desolation & Group Discernment
4th November 2026Challenges and Pitfalls
11th November 2026Application and Integration

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 a 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.

From Assisi to the World: The Expanding Franciscan Vision

15/05/2026   Various

This course offers participants an opportunity to grow more deeply in the spirit of St Francis of Assisi and to discover how his Gospel vision can shape daily Christian life today. Through prayerful reflection, storytelling, and practical examples, the course explores Franciscan themes such as care for creation, peace and dialogue, love of the Cross, joy in hardship, accompaniment in illness, and humble service. Drawing from the wisdom of St Francis and the wider Franciscan family, participants are invited to reflect on their personal journey of faith and to live more fully the Franciscan values of simplicity, fraternity, compassion, and hope in the 21st century.

  • Franciscan Collaborators
  • People interested to explore and deepen their knowledge in Franciscan Spirituality

Target Audience Age: 18+

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateTimeLocationSession
* 10th October 20269:30am – 12:30pmCapuchins’ Convent,KalkaraOpening Seminar – The Cosmic Vision of St Francis
14th October 20266:00pm – 8:00pmTa’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, MostaFranciscan Spirituality and Interreligious Dialogue
21st October 20266:00pm – 8:00pmTa’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, MostaThe Franciscan Intellectual Tradition
28th October 20266:00pm – 8:00pmTa’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, MostaThe “Franciscan Method” of Reading Scripture
* 7th November 20269:30am – 12:30pmPoor Clares, St. Julian’sSeminar: Franciscan Women Beyond Clare
11th November 20266:00pm – 8:00pmTa’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, MostaSt Francis and the Crucifix
18th November 20266:00pm – 8:00pmTa’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, MostaSt Francis and True Joy
25th November 20266:00pm – 8:00pmTa’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, MostaFranciscan accompaniment in sickness
2nd December 20266:00pm – 8:00pmTa’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, MostaLeading the Franciscan Way: Humility, Service, and Discernment
9th December 20266:00pm – 8:00pmTa’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, MostaLiving Franciscan Spirituality in the 21st Century
* 16th January 20279:00am – 12:30pmBurmarradClosing Seminar 

* These sessions are to be attended in person

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 a 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.

Faith Foundations for Catechists

14/05/2026

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 foundational introduction to the core elements of the Catholic faith. It explores the sources of faith through Revelation, Scripture, and anthropology, leading to a deeper understanding of God revealed in Jesus Christ as the Triune God. Participants are guided through the meaning of the Church, the Sacraments, and the Liturgy as central to Christian life. The course also introduces the moral and social teachings of the Church, helping learners connect faith with daily living and responsible action in society.

Catechists

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:00pm at

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
10th October 2026The Main sources
14th November 2026The Sacred Scriptures
16th January 2027God revealed in Jesus Christ
13th February 2027The Church as builder of the Kingdom of God
13th March 2027The meaning of the Sacraments and the Liturgy
10th April 2027The Moral and Social Teaching of the Church

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 a 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.

Mark’s Good News

14/05/2026

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 five‑session course offers a concise yet enriching journey through the Gospel of Mark, guiding participants from an introductory overview into four key themes that shape Mark’s unique portrait of Jesus. Together, we explore the power of Jesus’ miracles, the depth and challenge of his parables, the demanding but transformative call to discipleship, and the stark, compelling drama of the Passion narrative. The course invites learners to engage both heart and mind as they encounter Mark’s urgent proclamation of the Good News.

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 the Gospel of Mark 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 at

Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
14th October 2026Introduction to the Gospel
21st October 2026Miracles in Mark
28th October 2026Parables in Mark
4th November 2026Discipleship in Mark
11th November 2026The Passion in Mark

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 a 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.

The Pastoral Worker in Today’s World

13/05/2026   Iklin Centre

This short course offers an engaging introduction to the mission and ministry of volunteering within a Catholic parish in the context of Maltese society. It explores the spiritual foundations, practical responsibilities, and community impact of parish service. Designed for pastoral workers, the course deepens understanding of their role in supporting and animating parish life, and offers guidance for serving effectively, faithfully, and collaboratively in the Church’s mission.

Iklin Parish Pastoral Workers

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Tuesdays from 6:45pm to 8:15pm at Iklin Centre.

DateSession
30th June 2026Called to Serve – The Spiritual Heart of Volunteering
7th July 2026The Life of the Parish –Building Community & Collaboration  
14th July 2026Ethics, Boundaries, and Responsibility
21st July 2026Artificial Intelligence in the Pastoral Context
28th July 2026Formation and Spiritual Growth 

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 a 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.

A Merciful Heart and Mind (in a Parish context)

12/05/2026

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 introduces diaconia as the Church’s mission of service within parish life. Participants will explore practical and concrete ways of responding to human need through charity, solidarity, and pastoral care. The course equips participants with tools to plan, coordinate, and sustain parish-based diaconia rooted in Gospel values and lived faith.

All interested but especially Diakonia Pastoral Workers in a parish context.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students can join online via Zoom

DateSession
2nd September 2026Diaconia as one of the four pillars of the Catholic faith
9th September 2026Diaconia as an integral part of the life of the Saints 
16th September 2026Hand of Mercy: examples of diaconia in the Church in Malta
23rd SeptemberBoundaries and Mercy in Real Life
30th September6 – 7pm – Co-Responsibility and Working Together in the Parish
7 – 8pm – Building a merciful parish. 

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 a 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.

Running, Returning, Renewed: A Journey Through Jonah

12/05/2026

This verse‑by‑verse study of the Book of Jonah examines the text in its historical, literary, and theological context. Participants will analyse Jonah’s call, his resistance, the narrative’s use of irony, the response of the sailors and the Ninevites, and God’s final challenge to the prophet. The course also considers how Jonah is referenced in the New Testament to understand how early Christian interpretation engaged with this story. The aim is to provide a clear, structured exploration of the book’s themes, its portrayal of divine mercy and human reluctance, and its ongoing relevance for readers today.

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 Jonah 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 at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

Students can join online via Zoom

DateSession
8th July 2026Jonah 1-2
15th July 2026Jonah 3-4
22nd July 2026Jonah in the NT

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 a 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.