Short Course – Page 4 – Pastoral Formation Institute

The Reality of the Family Today

05/03/2024 Ta' Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta

Does the family change as much as society does, or does society change as much as the family? This question is asked and discussed repeatedly in different forums.

For society, but even more so for Christians, the family is at the center of human formation. A Christian can be a good Christian only if one is a good human being, and a good human being has a well-formed and balanced character.

This character formation is an ongoing process, mostly based on good familial interactions, where stages of life, events, and situations constantly change dynamics. It is not always easy to keep up with the constant changes, and this can put great pressure on relationships, which might lead to some struggles.

Family ministry, just like any other ministry, needs to read the signs of the times and use the tools of discernment to provide the necessary answers to the evolving questions.

These challenges faced by families today will be addressed by professionals to better equip family ministers.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 50% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi.

Chair Couples of family/couple groups in parishes
People who are interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Dates	Session
6th May	Living out one’s vocation within our families
13th May	Stress management: Work-life balance
20th May	What is more important, being a parent or a spouse?
27th May	Financial Burdens
3rd June	Evolving children’s needs and teenagers

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 a written assignment

Language: Understanding Maltese and be fluent in English.

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate especially, in office suites.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

17/02/2024

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:

familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
understand the legal obligations with child abuse
identify signs and symptoms of abuse
know the disclosures of abuse
identify the principles of safeguarding
practice professional boundaries
know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
be able to recognise signs of abuse
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.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE/SCA4-23	Blended Learning	1 ECTS

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

3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
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.

January 2025

Lecturing Period

Mode of Delivery	Date & Time	Venue
In-person	18th January 2025 from 9:00am to 12:00pm	Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material	18^th – 25th January 2025	Recorded videos on the VLE platform

Assessment Period:

Assessment	Available From	Due by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam	18th January 2025	Monday 27th January 2025
Reflective Journal	18th January 2025	Tuesday 18th February 2025

This course has three exit certificate options:

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.

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)

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: 2 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

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

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Basic Customer Care Skills for Parish Office Staff

15/02/2024

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 aims to equip participants with both practical skills for front office roles and a deeper understanding of how these skills can be applied within the context of the Church’s mission and ethos. It emphasizes the importance of customer care not only as a professional responsibility but also as a form of ministry and outreach.

Thus, participants will have the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills in basic customer care and front office skills, as a means for new evangelisation.

Parish staff who work in the front office.

Target Audience Age: 18+

TBA

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 Participation
The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all
contact hours and successfully complete a short multiple-choice online exam.

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate especially, in office suites.

Award in Creating & Animating Prayer Spaces

21/11/2023

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Creating and Animating Prayer Spaces is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5, as a Higher Education Programme.

Students who successfully complete this course may apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €87.50 will be refunded for this course).

This course offers participants a comprehensive understanding of establishing and managing prayer spaces within diverse settings. Through theoretical insights and practical training, participants will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to create and oversee prayer spaces effectively. Additionally, the course provides a transformative journey for participants, fostering deeper connections with themselves, others, the world, and the divine through engaging with prayer spaces. Participants will learn to accompany others on their spiritual journeys, facilitating exploration of faith, spirituality, and life’s fundamental questions in a supportive and interactive environment.

Emphasizing the shift from mere functionality to a more meaningful existence, the course encourages participants to appreciate and reflect upon relationships, recognizing the profound impact of mindful engagement. Whether in educational institutions, community centres, workplaces, or outdoor settings, participants will explore the versatility of prayer spaces, understanding their potential to enrich lives and foster spiritual growth.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Define what a prayer space is;
Identify different age groups of children and young people attending the prayer space;
Communicate in different ways with children, young people, or adults according to their age, culture, and language during a prayer space;
Identify suitable interested members of the staff/personnel who are willing to form a team to prepare and animate prayer spaces in their respective schools;
Draw up a plan for planning, preparing, setting up, and running prayer spaces;
Report what educators and students said after they have experienced prayer spaces for themselves;
Evaluate what went well, identify difficulties and challenges in setting a prayer space;
Understand that at the most basic level, prayer spaces give students a way to reflect and develop reflective thinking skills in terms of the four key relationships: the self, others, the world, and God;
Make a connection between prayer spaces and other subjects

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

This course is targeted at all those who wish to help children, young people, and adults grow in their prayer life, namely:

Educators,
Catechists,
Youth workers,
Youth leaders,
Youth ministers,
Religious counsellors,
Chaplains and lay chaplains,
Priests and religious.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to engage with prayer spaces first-hand.

Participants will be introduced to the concepts of prayer, spirituality, and religion. Participants will also become aware of the differences between superficiality and meaning-making, focusing on being, and the development of symbolic language.

Participants will explore the significance of prayer spaces, which embody spiritual, reflective, inclusive, professional, and Christian values.

Participants will learn that prayer spaces help individuals reflect and develop reflective thinking skills, viewing this process in terms of four key relationships: the self, other people, the world, and the sacred/divine. They will also learn that spirituality is inherent in everyone, and that God, in various ways, interacts with and cares for each individual.

Participants will learn how to initiate prayer spaces.

Participants will learn how to select and develop prayer activities aimed at the self, others, the world, and God, incorporating a variety of learning styles, including writing, listening, observation, reading, and hands-on activities.

Participants will learn how to recruit and train an effective prayer space team. Participants will learn to select individuals who embody qualities such as prayerfulness, inclusivity, reflection, professionalism, and safety. Additionally, participants will discover techniques for establishing a welcoming prayer space accessible to all visitors. They will also gain insights into collecting feedback and producing follow-up reports.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

This course will take place on Monday and Wednesdays from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Date	Session
18th November 2024	Introduction to Prayer
20th November 2024	The Values of Prayer Spaces
25th November 2024	The Purpose of Prayer Spaces and Prayer Spaces Theology
27th November 2024	Preparing for the Setting of Prayer Spaces
2nd December 2024	Creating Prayer Activities
4th December 2024	Recruiting and Training a Prayer Space Team, Running a Prayer Space and Follow-up

Certification: 

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours.

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours
pass from short multiple-choice online exam
pass from written assignment

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

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

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

The Sacrament of Baptism for Parishes

25/10/2023

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.

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

This course has one exit certificate options:

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.

Animating Liturgy

25/10/2023

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 aimed for those involved in liturgical music animation or those interested in this ministry so that they enrich their knowledge and practice in this field. They will appreciate more what animation is and acquire the necessary skills required for this ministry. Participants will reflect on the aspects of the role of a liturgical animator, become aware of the musical and singing abilities required, learn about the seasons of the liturgical year and the respective repertoire, amongst other topics. The course will concentrate on the animation of Eucharist celebration and other moments of prayer like the liturgy of the hours and Eucharistic adoration.

Those involved in liturgical animation and those interested in taking up this ministry.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Date	Session
6th November 2024	What is Liturgical Animation?
13th November 2024	Music and Singing in the Liturgy
20th November 2024	Musical Animation in the Mass
27th November 2024	Animation of the Office of the Hours and Other Liturgical Moments
4th December 2024	Technology and Animation
11th December 2024	Practical Seminar

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 sitting and successfully compete and pass the short multiple-choice questions online exam which will be available on the Moodle platform.
Certificate of Achievement
To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum 80% of all contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam practical and viva session.

This course is delivered by the Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute.

Introduction to Youth Ministry

25/10/2023

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 will serve as an introduction and foundation for youth ministry. Youth ministers, youth leaders and animators will reflect on who they are, their journey of faith and the call of being a youth minister/youth leader/animator in today’s society. This will involve a discussion on ‘tools’ that believers should have to live faith.

Serving youth ministers/youth leaders/animators
Youth aspiring to become youth ministers/youth leaders/animators

Target Audience Age: 16+

TBA

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of contact hours for this course and successfully complete and pass written assessment.

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use office suite software.

The Jubilee – Pilgrims of Hope

25/10/2023

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 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.

Pastoral Workers
Individuals interested to prepare for the jubilee

Target Audience Age: 18+

TBA

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.

The Organ in the Liturgy

25/10/2023

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 aimed at those who already play the organ in our churches or those interested in starting this ministry, to help strengthen their understanding of the organist’s role. One or two sessions will be held in different churches, providing participants with the opportunity to practise on organs of various styles, models, and eras. Attendees will learn about the organ’s central place in the liturgy, its structure and maintenance, the art of registration, and the art of improvisation within the liturgy.

Organists and keyboard players who are interested in playing the organ during liturgy

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Date	Session	Venue
29th January 2025	The Organ in the Liturgy	Archbishops’ Seminary
5th February 2025	The Structure and Maintenance of the Organ	Naxxar Parish Church
12th February 2025	Playing the Organ	Archbishops’ Seminary
19th February 2025	The Art of Registration	Archbishops’ Seminary
26th February 2025	The Organ as Accompaniment to the Cantor and Congregation	Archbishops’ Seminary
12th March 2025	The Art of Improvisation in Liturgy	Archbishops’ Seminary

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 Achievement
The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course, as well as after passing a short practical examination.

This course is delivered by the Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute.

Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English. They must also have a minimum of grade 6 standard in a keyboard instrument (piano or organ).

A copy of the certificate indicating achievement of minimum grade 6 standard must be uploaded in the application form below.

Pastoral Initiatives in Lent

25/10/2023

The participants will engage in preparations for the imminent Lenten season, during which the Diakonia, spiritual, and cultural dimensions of this significant period in the Church will be emphasized and explored. This preparation aims to equip and enrich them for their pastoral roles in their respective parishes and communities, enabling them to guide others effectively on their journey during this special time of grace.

Upon acquiring new insights and skills, participants will be encouraged to collaborate with their parish priests in organizing and planning a schedule for Lent for their respective groups. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure a well-rounded and meaningful Lenten experience for the parish community, incorporating elements of Diakonia, spirituality, and culture to foster a deeper connection with the season’s spiritual significance.

Pastoral Workers, especially those involved in decision-making bodies.
Religious people and Priests
Individuals interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Date	Session
10th January 2023	Culture in Lent
17th January 2023	Spirituality in Lent
24th January 2023	Diakonia & Prayer Experiences

This course has two 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 Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend a minimum 80% of all contact hours
pass written assessment

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.