Archives

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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

07/04/2025
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as a Higher Education Programme.

The short course – Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults will assist staff and volunteers in recognising the key principles of safeguarding and in creating a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Employees and volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults and handling their data.

October – November 2026
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person17th October 2026
from 9:00am to 12:00pm		Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material17th – 31st October 2026Recorded videos will be accessible online via our Moodle VLE platform
Assessment Period
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam17th October 202631st October 2026
Reflective Journal17th October 202617th November 2026
LO1 – Competence

By the end of the programme, the learner will have acquired a good enough combination of the below mentioned skills and knowledge, so much so that s/he will be competent enough to provide an emotionally, mentally and spiritually safe working environment for children and/or vulnerable adults; can recognise and deal with different signs of abuse; can comply with national laws, policies and procedures concerning safeguarding and can refer and collaborate with professionals in the field to ensure that the person in question is not being abused.

LO2 – Knowledge

By the end of the programme, the learner will be able to: a) identify the principles of safeguarding; b) familiarise himself/herself with safeguarding policies; c) identify signs and symptoms of different types of abuse; d) know the disclosures of abuse; e) know the legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors; (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minor Protection (Alternative Care) Act (2019).

LO3 – Skill

By the end of the programme, the learner will be able to: a) practice the principles of safeguarding; b) practice professional boundaries; c) use a standard response to a disclosure of abuse; d) be able to recognise signs and symptoms of different types of abuse; e) identify the actions to take if you have a concern and also identify who can help;

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 rewarded to students who:

  • attend the in‑person session,
  • watch all the recorded material, and
  • submit and pass a short online multiple‑choice examination
  1. Certificate of Achievement 

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

  • attending the in‑person lecture and completing all online videos,
  • submit and pass a short online multiple‑choice examination
  • submit and pass a short reflective journal.

Students who obtain the Certificate of Achievement will also receive an MFHEA‑recognised certificate and transcript at MQF Level 4 (1 ECTS credit).

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

Awarding Body: Pastoral Formation Institute

There are no qualifications required for this course. The only requisites are:

Language competences: The student is required to have an end of primary school level of understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital competences: The student is required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use a word processor.

This course is mandatory requirement for all staff and volunteers working for the Church in Malta and part of the Safeguarding Clearance Certificate.

Creative Ministry for Christian Outreach – Puppeteering, Storytelling, Scripting, and Science Experiments

21/03/2025

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/.

The starting date was changed to 5th January 2026.

This interactive in-person course is designed to equip participants with creative tools to engage and inspire audiences through puppeteering, storytelling, scripting, and science experiments. Rooted in Christian principles, the course integrates hands-on learning to help participants effectively share biblical messages and Christian values in dynamic and memorable ways. Each lecture provides a practical and immersive experience that fosters creativity, communication skills, and spiritual growth.

 • Sunday school teachers / catechists.

 • Youth group leaders.

 • Christian educators and parents.

 • Anyone interested in creative ministry tools.

This course consists of four lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm till 8:00pm and a concluding seminar from 5:00pm till 8:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

DateSession
5th January 2026Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
7th January 2026Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
19th January 2026Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
21st January 2026Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
11th March 2026Seminar

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 of this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully completed the presentation and submitted a brief summary of the main points covered.

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

Digital: Applicants must be able to access the internet and use office suites.

Il-Ġublew – Pellegrini tat-Tama għall-Parroċċa ta’ Santa Venera

24/02/2025   Parroċċa Santa Venera
Jubilee - Pilgrims of Hope

L-għan ta’ dan il-kors hu li jakkumpanja il-partiċipanti sabiex jippreparaw irwieħhom għall-Ġublew tat-Tama li ser isir fl-2025. Il-parteċipanti ser jesploraw l-għeruq bibbliċi tal-kliem ‘ġublew’, ‘tama’ u ‘pellegrinaġġ’. Ser jesploraw ukoll it-tagħlim tal-Papa Benedittu XVI u l-Papa Franġisku fuq it-Tama. Fl-aħħar, ser jaraw flimkien kif dan il-ġublew jista’ jiġi applikat fil-kuntest kontemporanju u fil-missjoni wiesgħa tal-Knisja. 

Parruċċani tal-Parroċċa ta’ Santa Venera

Eta tal-udjenza fil-mira: 18+

Dan il-kors ser isir kull nhar ta’ Tnejn bejn is-7:00pm – 9:00pm kif stipulat hawn taħt:

DateSession
5 ta’ Mejju 2025Introduzzjoni – Il-Ġublew fil-Kotba Mqaddsa
12 ta’ Mejju 2025Il-Pellegrinaġġ fil-Kotba Mqaddsa
19 ta’ Mejju 2025It-Tama fit-Testment il-Qadim
26 ta’ Mejju 2025It-Tama fit-Testment il-Ġdid u fl-Ewwel Komunitajiet Insara
2 ta’ Ġunju 2025It-Tama fil-kitba tal-Papiet

Dan il-kors għandu żewġ tipi ta’ ċertifikati:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza

Sabiex tikseb Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu 80% tas-sessjonijiet tal-kors.

2. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex tikseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu 80% tas-sessjonijiet u jagħmlu eżami multiple-choice qasir online.

Lingwa: L-applikanti għandhom ikunu fluwenti fil-Malti u jkollom fehma tal-Ingliż.

Teknoloġija diġitali: L-applikanti huma meħtieġa li jkunu fluwenti fl-użu tad-dinja diġitali, inkluż li jkunu jafu kif jaċċessaw l-internet u jużaw office suites bħal Microsoft Word.

Canon Law and Institutes of Consecrated Life

13/02/2025

This course is designed to support consecrated women and men in deepening their understanding of Canon Law within the context of Consecrated Life. Through comprehensive study and reflection, participants will explore the teachings of Canon Law as they pertain to consecrated life, enabling them to analyse, synthesise, and apply these principles in various circumstances.

Consecrated men and women, as well as members of societies of apostolic life.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 8:30am – 1:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

DatesSession
3rd May 20251. An Introduction to and the History of Canon Law and Consecrated Life
2. The Study of the Different Types of ‘Religious’ Forms of Life
10th May 20253. Church and Religious Hierarchy
4. Relationship with Bishops and Clergy
17th May 20255. Conference of Major Superiors
6. Governance and Administration in Consecrated Life
31st May 20257. Houses: Erection and Suppression
8. Formation: Initial and Ongoing
14th June 20259. Rights and Duties of Institutes and Members & Separation of Members
10. Charisms and Apostolate

This course has three 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 for this course and successfully complete and pass from short multiple-choice assessment.

3. 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 short multiple-choice assessment
  • 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 Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for General Care Givers

31/01/2025   Ta' Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
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 in Elderly Care for Healthcare Workers is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

Recognising that spirituality plays a vital role in the overall well-being of older adults, this programme integrates spiritual care within the broader context of holistic caregiving. Designed for healthcare support workers and personal caregivers, it equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to address the spiritual needs of those they care for.

People working with the elderly e.g. carers and general staff with an MQF level 3 qualification or higher.

This course consists of 11 sessions: 10 lectures and an examination session.

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 focuses on personal spirituality, as providing spiritual care requires healthcare workers to be spiritually grounded themselves. Students will be encouraged to recognise the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in enhancing their personal growth and effectiveness as providers of spiritual care.

Interpersonal Spirituality involves building relationships with others through effective communication skills. It acknowledges an individual’s unique spiritual and cultural worldviews, fostering feelings of companionship and compassionate care.

Session 3: Spiritual Assessment and Evaluation of Care

In this session, learners are introduced to both 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

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 in the following dates from 9:00am – 11:00am at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

DateSession
7th April 2026Defining ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Spiritual Care’ in Healthcare
Competencies in spiritual care
14th April 2026Interpersonal and intrapersonal spirituality
21st April 2026Spiritual assessment and evaluation of care
28th April 2026Loss, grief and compassion in the elderly
5th May 2026Spiritual care in the rehabilitation of the elderly
12th May 2026Spiritual care and mental health
19th May 2026Spiritual care in dementia
26th May 2026The role of religion in spiritual care for the elderly
2nd June 2026The Christian Sacraments and other sacred rites in different religions and spirituality
9th June 2026Case scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care
23rd June 2026*Examination*

*Examination session will take place from 9:30am – 10:30am

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 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 4 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 in Elderly Care for Healthcare Workers is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a minimum of an MQF/EQF Level 3 or higher qualification. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.

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.

Il-Ġublew – Pellegrini tat-Tama għall-Parroċċa ta’ Ħal Qormi – San Bastjan

02/12/2024   Ċentru Parrokkjali tal-Parroċċa ta' Ħal Qormi - San Bastjan
Jubilee - Pilgrims of Hope

L-għan ta’ dan il-kors hu li jakkumpanja il-partiċipanti sabiex jippreparaw irwieħhom għall-Ġublew tat-Tama li ser isir fl-2025. Il-parteċipanti ser jesploraw l-għeruq bibbliċi tal-kliem ‘ġublew’, ‘tama’ u ‘pellegrinaġġ’. Ser jesploraw ukoll it-tagħlim tal-Papa Benedittu XVI u l-Papa Franġisku fuq it-Tama. Fl-aħħar, ser jaraw flimkien kif dan il-ġublew jista’ jiġi applikat fil-kuntest kontemporanju u fil-missjoni wiesgħa tal-Knisja. 

Parruċċani tal-Parroċċa ta’ Ħal Qormi – San Bastjan 

Eta tal-udjenza fil-mira: 18+

Dan il-kors ser isir kull nhar ta’ Tnejn bejn is-6:30pm – 7:15pm kif stipulat hawn taħt:

DateSession
13 ta’ Jannar 2025Introduzzjoni – Il-Ġublew fil-Kotba Mqaddsa
27 ta’ Jannar 2025Il-Pellegrinaġġ fil-Kotba Mqaddsa
3 ta’ Frar 2025It-Tama fit-Testment il-Qadim
17 ta’ Frar 2025It-Tama fit-Testment il-Ġdid u fl-Ewwel Komunitajiet Insara
24 ta’ Frar 2025It-Tama fil-kitba tal-Papiet
3 ta’ Marzu 2025Il-Ġublew u aħna – X’ser nagħmlu?

Dan il-kors għandu żewġ tipi ta’ ċertifikati:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza

Sabiex tikseb Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu 80% tas-sessjonijiet tal-kors.

2. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex tikseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu 80% tas-sessjonijiet u jagħmlu eżami multiple-choice qasir online.

Lingwa: L-applikanti għandhom ikunu fluwenti fil-Malti u jkollom fehma tal-Ingliż.

Teknoloġija diġitali: L-applikanti huma meħtieġa li jkunu fluwenti fl-użu tad-dinja diġitali, inkluż li jkunu jafu kif jaċċessaw l-internet u jużaw office suites bħal Microsoft Word.

Introduction to AI in Pastoral Settings: Tools and Practices for Priests

27/11/2024

This course aims to equip individuals working in pastoral contexts with the knowledge and skills needed to utilize AI tools effectively. Designed for those with little to no prior knowledge of AI, the course provides a basic understanding of AI systems, their potential applications, and best practices for implementation in pastoral work. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of how AI tools and systems function, an awareness of the positive and negative aspects of such tools, and an understanding of the Church’s position on AI. They will also develop the ability to critically assess which contexts might benefit from introducing AI tools and which would not, as well as gain awareness of some AI tools that might prove useful in pastoral work.

  • Priests
  • Religious

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Thursdays from 9:30am to 12:30pm

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
11th September 2025What is AI? What is the Church’s position on AI?
18th September 2025Helpful AI tools and how to make use of them

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.

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.

The Jubilee – Pilgrims of Hope for Curia and Tribunal Staff

30/07/2024
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 Evangelization. The journey will conclude with an in-depth review of Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction, ‘Spes non confundit‘.

Curia and tribunal members of staff

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 10:30am – 12:30pm

at Sala San Ġwann

DateSession
16th October 2024Introduction –
What does the word ‘Jubilee’ mean? The Jubilee in Sacred Scriptures
What does the word ‘Pilgrimage’ mean? The Pilgrimage in the Sacred Scriptures
13th November 2024Hope in the Old Testament
Hope in the New Testament and in the first communities of the Church
15th January 2025Hope in the writings of the Popes – Spe Salvi, the Catechesis of Pope Francis and Bull of Indiction ‘Spes Non Confundit’

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.