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Sport and Community Building

16/05/2024   Catholic Institute, Floriana
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Sport and Community Building is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

The local community is central to God’s work. This module will explore and identify ways in which different groups in the local community can make stronger and healthier communities across generations. It illustrates the various ways in which sports has been serving in building God’s Kingdom. Learners will be able to learn sport-related skills and language to teach the values and apply learnt knowledge to their particular setting. Learners will also be able to organise and create sport camps and festivals according to their specific context, looking also at the practical aspect of such organisation

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

  • Youth leaders interested in Sports/Physical Activity,  
  • Sports persons (coaches, athletes, club admin. members) interested in Sports Ministry,  
  • School chaplains, PE teachers, and Teachers interested in both areas (sports & spirituality). 

Target Audience Age: 18+

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE5004– Weekly Lectures
– Practicum		2 ECTS

Click here to view and download a detailed course description


Lecturers: Sr Rachel Camilleri ASGM

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time
Part 1: Theory
DatesDatesTimesVenue
Thursdays16.05.2024 – 13.06.202418:00 – 20:00Catholic Institute, Floriana
Part 2: Practicum

Over the summer period, participants are asked to partake in 10 hours of practicum. Participants can choose to either take part in a Summer Camp or organise an activity in a youth group they are a member of. More information about this part of the course will be given to applicants during the course.

Assessment: Activity Observation 40% & Written Activity Report 60

Assessment Explanation:  These will take into consideration these key criteria: activity content and design of the event, implementation and evaluation of an activity. 

Participants are expected to devise and put into practice the planned activity with a concluding evaluative report. The content and practice have to reflect in practice the principles learnt during the module. 

For this Assignment or Activity, participants are to take into consideration one of the following cohorts: young (4 to 10 years), adolescents (11-15 years), youth (16 – 30 years) and adults (31+). 

Duration: 5 sessions part-time including:

  • Contact hours – 10 hours
  • Supervised Placement and Practice Hours – 10 hours
  • Self-Study Hours – 20 hours
  • Assessment Hours – 10 hours

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

*To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and successfully pass the assignment

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Teaching 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 Sports and Commmunity Building is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

Applicants must be in possession of:

  • Proficient in English  
  • Minimum Level: O level or equivalent 
  • Expressed interest in Evangelisation and Sport 
  • Participants must present POMA certification and clean police conduct. 

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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – DTP

09/04/2024   Dar tal-Providenza
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

Dar tal-Providenza employees and volunteers

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.

Course Starting April 2024
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person23rd April 2024Dar tal-Providenza
Recorded Material23rd – 30th April 2024Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam30th April 20247th May 2024
Reflective Journal30th April 202430th May 2024

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.

Course Starting May 2024
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person7th May 2024Dar tal-Providenza
Recorded Material7th May 2024 – 14th May 2024Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam14th May 202421st May 2024
Reflective Journal14th May 202414th June 2024

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.

Course Starting June 2024
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person4th June 2024Dar tal-Providenza
Recorded Material4th June 2024 – 11th June 2024Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam11th June 202418th June 2024
Reflective Journal11th June 202411th July 2024

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: 2 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.

Foundation Course in Ignatian Spirituality

11/03/2024   Mount Saint Joseph, Mosta

As a Christian, you may be seeking something deeper to enhance your faith and spiritual growth. The Pastoral Formation Institute, in collaboration with the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality, we are offering a two-year Foundation Course in Ignatian Spirituality from September 2024 to June 2026.

This course aims to:

  • Help participants deepen their understanding of Christian spirituality, particularly that in the Ignatian tradition.
  • Provide a solid background in Spirituality, Theology, and Scriptural knowledge to enrich pastoral activities at all levels.
  • Foster a deeper personal relationship with the Lord.
  • For those seeking a deeper understanding of Christian spirituality, particularly within the Ignatian tradition.
  • For those desiring a solid foundation in spirituality, theology, and scriptural knowledge.
  • For those aiming to cultivate a personal relationship with the Lord.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

First Year

DatesSession
11th – 15th September 2024Silent Retreat
19th September – 31st October 2024Nature and History of Spirituality
7th November – 19th December 2024Basic notions of Sacred Scripture
9th January – 20th February 2025Prayer Methods
22nd-23rd February 2025Communication and group skills
27th February – 10th April 2025Autobiography of St. Ignatius and writing a spiritual autobiography
24th April – 12th June 2025Principles of Ignatian Spirituality
3rd – 4th MayFaith and Culture
21st – 22nd JuneSpirituality and Integral Ecology

Second Year

DatesSession
13th – 14th September 2025Self-Awareness
18th September – 30th October 2025Introduction to Moral Theology
6th November – 18th December 2025Psychological Dynamics in Spirituality
8th January – 19th February 2026Introduction to Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology
28th February – 1st March 2026Introduction to Pastoral Theology
26th February – 23rd April 2026Introduction to Discernment
2nd – 3rd May 2026Communal Discernment
30th April – 4th June 2026Spirituality and Justice
12th – 14th June 2026End of course retreat

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificates of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon attending at least 80% of all contact hours for each module in the course

2. Certificate of Achievement
The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement upon attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for each module and successfully completing all course assessments

Applicants are expected to:

  • possess a good knowledge of the English language;
  • be capable of writing assignments in English;
  • be able to use a computer to access material digitally and make online submissions;
  • attend at least 80% of lectures of each module;
  • attend an initial 5-day silent retreat in full.

Course Registration

You are kindly asked to send an email to [email protected]
In your email please include a detailed CV.

Application Closing date: 31st May, 2024

Please Note: After the application period, applicants will be contacted to attend an interview. Acceptance to the course is dependent on the outcome of the interview.

Name(Required)
Max. file size: 4 MB.

Values in Sports Ministry

07/03/2024   Catholic Institute, Floriana
MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Values in Sports Ministry is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

The aim of this module is for participants to learn about the true values of sports and the inter-relationship with Christian/Biblical values.  

Learn how to experientially transmit the true values of sports through the different myriad of sports/play activities. This will be applied in a way to address the specific age groups that form our parishes, communities and educational institutions, through the integration of Christian/Biblical teachings.  

To understand that the value-based programmes can also be extended to mainstream coaching and to influence secular spheres within our communities. 

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

  • Youth leaders interested in Sports/Physical Activity,  
  • Sports persons (coaches, athletes, club admin. members) interested in Sports Ministry,  
  • School chaplains, PE teachers, and Teachers interested in both areas (sports & spirituality). 

Target Audience Age: 18+

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
ASM5003Weekly Lectures2 ECTS

Lecturers: Mr David Azzopardi & Mr Karl Cortis

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time
DatesDatesTimesVenue
Thursdays07.03.2024 – 25.04.202418:00 – 20:00Catholic Institute, Floriana

Easter Recess between 25th March and 7th April 2024

Assessment: Written Assessment

Duration: 7 sessions part-time including:

  • Contact hours – 14 hours
  • Supervised Placement and Practice Hours – 0 hours
  • Self-Study Hours – 26 hours
  • Assessment Hours – 10 hours

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

*To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and successfully pass the assignment

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Award

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Teaching 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 Values in Sports Ministry is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

Applicants must be in possession of:

  • Proficient in English  
  • Minimum Level: O level or equivalent 
  • Expressed interest in Evangelisation and Sport 
  • Participants must present POMA certification and clean police conduct. 

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 Reality of the Family Today

05/03/2024   Ta' Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Reality of the Family Today

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

DatesSession
6th MayLiving out one’s vocation within our families
13th MayStress management: Work-life balance
20th MayWhat is more important, being a parent or a spouse?
27th MayFinancial Burdens
3rd JuneEvolving 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.

Riflessjonijiet online dwar il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa

04/03/2024   Online

Il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa li tiġbor fiha l-jiem minn Ħadd il-Palm sa Ħadd il-Għid hija l-fus li fuqu ddur is-sena liturġika kollha tal-ħajja nisranija. Fil-ħajja tiegħU fuq l-art, kienu l-jiem li fihom Ġesù nnifsu wasal għal dik li huwa stess sejħilha s-Siegħa tiegħu.

Għalhekk l-Istitut ta’ Formazzjoni Pastorali ħaseb biex joffri tliet mixjiet; mixja spiritwali, mixja liturġika u mixja bibblika tul din il-Ġimgħa. Kull mixja hi magħmulha min-numru ta’ filmati li jakkumpanjaw lill-parteċipanti tul il-ġranet tal-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa. Dawn il-filmati jistgħu jiġu segwiti bil-kumdità, x’ħin u fejn wieħed irid.  

Ejja nidħlu dejjem iktar fil-qalba ta’ dan il-misteru kbir – il-passjoni, l-mewt u l-qawmien ta’ Sidna Ġesù Kristu.

Il-Passjoni ta’ Sidna Ġesù Kristu skont San Mark – Esiġeżi u Riflessjoni

Ir-rakkont tal-Passjoni skont San Mark joħroġ biċ-ċar it-tema tad-dixxipulat li l-qarrej jiltaqa’ magħha sa mill-bidu tal-Vanġelu u tilħaq il-qofol tagħha fl-esklamazzjoni taċ-ċenturjun fil-mument tal-mewt ta’ Ġesù fuq is-Salib “Dan tassew kien l-Iben ta’ Alla!” Din l-istqarrija ta’ wieħed pagan, barra l-belt ta’ Ġerusalemm, turina ħafna fuq il-proċess tat-twemmin fil-Mulej Ġesù. Hu biss meta timxi wara Ġesù, u li tkun miegħu waqt il-passjoni u l-mewt tiegħu waqt li ‘tmut’ miegħu, li tkun tista’ mbagħad tarah tassew bħala l-Iben ta’ Alla.

Matul il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa, din l-esiġeżi se tkun offruta permezz ta’ 6 filmati lill-parteċipanti biex jekk jixtiequ jkunu jistgħu jieqfu ftit tul il-ġurnata, u jirriflettu, jitolbu u jinżlu fil-fond permezz ta’ dan it-test qaddis, aħna u niċċelebraw il-passjoni, il-mewt u l-qawmien ta’ Sidna Ġesù Kristu.

Riflessjonijiet Liturġiċi tul il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa

Din ir-riflessjoni se teħodna tul mixja liturġika fl-iktar ġimgħa importanti tas-sena liturġika, li tibda minn Ħadd il-Palm, it-Tnejn, it-Tlieta u l-Erbgħa tal-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa, Ħamis ix-Xirka, il-Ġimgħa l-Kbira, Sibt il-Għid u Ħadd il-Għid. Se nimxu tul din il-Ġimgħa permezz ta’ analiżi, spjega u riflessjoni liturġika.

Se nesploraw is-sinifikat liturġiku tar-riti u ċerimonji varji li nsibu fiċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet ta’ din il-Ġimgħa u se nimxu ‘l hinn mill-artistrija u l-enfażi kulturali marbuta ma’ din il-Ġimgħa biex niskopru l-veru sens warajhom.

Fi tmiem tar-riflessjonijiet min ikun mexa din il-mixja kollha għandu jasal biex jifhem b’mod iktar aħjar u sħiħ il-liturġija ċċelebrata tul din il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa.

Riflessjoni Spiritwali dwar il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa

Il-mixja spiritwali ta’ kull Nisrani hija relatata mat-tbatija li għadda minnha Ġesù, speċjalment fil-mumenti tat-tradiment, solitudni, ġudizzju, biża’ u deċiżjonijiet diffiċli.

Permezz ta’ 14-il vidjow qasir, ser naraw l-aspetti spiritwali u profondi tal-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa biex inkunu nistgħu nifhmu iktar dan il-Misteru tas-Salvazzjoni hekk kbir u importanti fil-ħajja Nisranija. Nibdew minn Ħadd il-Palm u d-daħla lejn Ġerusalemm (il-belt il-maħbuba li ma taċċettax l-imħabba), it-twaqqif tal-Ewkaristija f’Ħamis ix-Xirka u t-tifsira tal-ħasil tar-riġlejn, is-silenzju fil-Ġimgħa l-Kbira, l-istennija ma’ Marija s-Sibt filgħodu, it-tiġdid fil-velja tal-Għid bis-simboli tan-nar (id-dawl tal-ħajja), l-ilma li jippurifika lejn il-Glorja ta’ Sibt il-Għid u Ħadd il-Għid.

L-għan huwa li l-parteċipanti jaslu għall-għarfien tal-Qawmien, il-konsolazzjoni u tiġdid spiritwali u jagħrfu l-umiltà u l-għotja ta’ Ġesù fil-mixja tiegħu fuq din l-art, mill-qtugħ il-qalb fil-Ġnien tal-Ġetsemani, il-perseveranza matul il-passjoni sa ma wasal fil-glorja tal-qawmien.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

17/02/2024
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

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 33%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

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

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

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

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

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

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

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

May 2024
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person11th May 2024Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material11th – 20th May 2024Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam11th May 2024Monday 27th May 2024
Reflective Journal11th May 2024Thursday 27th June 2024

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: 2 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.

Basic Customer Care Skills

15/02/2024
Basic Customer Skills

For Parish Office Staff

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.

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.

Parish staff who work in the front office.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DatesSession
8th MayCustomer Care as a form of Evangelisation
What is Customer Service?
a. Definition of ‘Customer’
b. Definition of ‘Care’ with also spiritual significance
15th MayCustomer Care service settings – specific to parishes and pastoral work
22nd MayAims and objectives of customer service in an organisation
29th MaySelf-Development in Customer Care service
5th JuneImportance of Customer Care service in the organisation.

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 Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for Healthcare Workers

07/02/2024   Little Sisters of the Poor, Ħamrun
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 5, as Further Education Programme.

Spirituality plays a crucial role in holistic care, yet it is often overlooked. This course addresses the challenges in conceptualizing spirituality and offers clarity on its integration into elderly care. Participants will explore the meaning of spirituality and gain competence in spiritual practice. The course covers attitudes towards spirituality, assessment of patients’ spiritual needs, and factors affecting its integration into nursing care. Practical guidance is provided to equip healthcare workers with skills to incorporate spirituality into their practice effectively.

Carers in residential care facilities for the elderly.

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 healthcare encompass how patients and healthcare professionals seek and express meaning, purpose, connection, value, or transcendence within the context of illness and health. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that spirituality is associated with improved 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 spiritual field.

Session 2: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Spirituality

Intrapersonal Spirituality addresses personal spirituality, emphasizing that healthcare workers must nurture their own spirituality to provide effective spiritual care. Students will explore the significance of self-reflection and self-awareness in personal and professional growth. Interpersonal Spirituality focuses on building relationships through effective communication skills, recognizing individuals’ unique spiritual and cultural worldviews, fostering companionship, and delivering compassionate care.

Session 3: Spiritual Assessment and Evaluation of Care

This session introduces learners to formal and informal approaches for assessing patients’ spiritual needs, planning interventions based on available resources, and evaluating whether patients’ needs have been met.

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

Learners will explore the inevitable experience of grief and loss, as well as feelings of isolation in the elderly. Understanding the grief process, as described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, will enable healthcare workers to prevent spiritual distress and provide compassionate care to the elderly.

Session 5: Spiritual Care in Elderly Rehabilitation

This session focuses on addressing the spiritual needs of elderly individuals undergoing rehabilitation. It explores strategies for promoting creativity and addressing feelings of suffering and solitude.

Session 6: Spiritual Care and Mental Health

Learners will gain insights into various mental health issues affecting the elderly and acquire skills to manage and provide care for elderly individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Session 7: Spiritual Care in Dementia

This session provides information on dementia in the elderly and equips learners with skills to manage care in this context, as well as supporting families to better understand and cope with the situation.

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

This session highlights the integral role of religiosity in spiritual care.

Session 9: The Sacraments in Different Religions and Spirituality

Learners will explore religious practices across various denominations present in our society.

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

This session presents case scenarios to assess and evaluate learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired during the program, preparing them for application in elderly care settings.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

The course will be held on Tuesday from 9:30am – 11:30am at Little Sisters of the Poor, Ħamrun

DateSession
9th April 2024Defining ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Spiritual Care’ in Healthcare
Competencies in spiritual care
16th April 2024Interpersonal and intrapersonal spirituality
23rd April 2024Spiritual assessment and evaluation of care
30th April 2024Loss, grief and compassion in the elderly
7th May 2024Spiritual care in the rehabilitation of the elderly
14th May 2024Spiritual care in dementia
21st May 2024Spiritual care and mental health
28th May 2024The role of religion in spiritual care for the elderly
4th June 2024Case scenarios in the spiritual dimension of elderly care
11th June 2024The sacraments in different religions and spirituality
25th June 2024Examination*

*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 short multiple-choice online exam

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

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 5, as Further Education Programme.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a minimum of an MQF/EQF Level 4 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 know how to access and use the internet.

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.

Introduction to Basic Theological Terms in Catholic Tradition

31/01/2024
Introduction to basic theological terms in the Catholic tradition

This course offers an introduction to key themes of the main areas of Catholic theology. These include fundamental, scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical concepts that guide the evangelizing mission of the Church. By the end of the course, the attendee will become aware of what the sources of theology are and gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Catholic theology.

Postulants and members of the EOHSJ

Target Audience`s Age: 25+

The course will be delivered through recorded sessions accessible on our Moodle platform from the below dates

DateSession
4th March 2024What is Faith? What is the Church?
11th March 2024The Main Sources (Revelation, Faith, Anthropology)
18th March 2024Introduction to Holy Scriptures
25th March 2024Introduction to Fundamental Moral Theology
8th April 2024Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
15th April 2024Prayer & Liturgy: Living an Authentic Christian Life

This course has two exit certificate options: 

Certificate of Participation 

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to students that watch all the recordings and pass from short multiple-choice online exam.

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students that watch all the recordings, pass from short multiple-choice online exam and written assignment.

Applicants must be either accepted for Postulant Year or be a member of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.