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The Way of Beauty

01/02/2022   TBA
The Allegory of the Triumph

Discovering faith through art

“Christian art offers the believer a theme for reflection and acts as an aid to enter into contemplation in intense prayer, similar to a moment of catachesis…”

Pontifical Council for Culture, the ‘Via Pulchritudinis’, 2006, III.2C

Over time and across cultures, humans have always sought to express the ineffable – those phenomena and mysteries which, for centuries, have captivated man’s imagination.

What mysteries do their creations, in turn, conceal?

What may this incredible artistic heritage reveal about the evolution of human thought, belief, and the manner in which man related and reacted to the natural world and beyond?

What insights, as Christians, may we attain and contemplate today, from a twenty-first-century perspective?

The course seeks to explore and address these questions by delving deeply into selected artworks exemplifying the various artistic currents and practices prevalent in the Euro-Mediterranean region, beginning our journey in the early roots of human culture and proceeding towards modernity.

Course Aim:
  • to provide different tools to “read” into works of art and engage with them on a profound and iconological level
  • to propose and encourage the contemplation of art as a method of prayer
  • to present the story and evolution of art in relation to Christian values and beliefs

People who wish to enrich their spirituality by learning how to read and meditate artworks

Introduction to the course – Prehistory and the emergence of the human form
  • Content and course aims
  • Explanation of timeline
  • Map of religions and cultures across the ages which will feature in the course
Explaining the visible world: the origins and development of complex mythologies
  • Egyptian ritual and mythology
  • Phenicia and Levant: cultural diffusion, and the roots of Judaism
  • Minoan and Mycenean cult, and the emergence of ancient Greek art and literature
Temples of the gods
  • Development of temple architecture and sacred sites
  • Decoration of the temple: from pictograms to complex iconography
  • Depicting the gods: symbols, beasts and the image of man
From myth to law: Hellenisation and the roots of early Christian imagery
  • Archaic, Classical and Hellenic art: the pre-eminence of the human form
  • Acculturation: development of a community’s artistic language
  • Underground religion: symbols, signs, and structures
Emerging from the dark: a tale of two empires
  • Appropriation: Art of the Roman Empire and Christianity
  • Structures of worship: from temple to basilica, from house to church
  • Decorating surfaces: the mosaic tradition
  • Schisms and divergence of artistic trends
The scribes of sacred art
  • The icon as a devotional image
  • The illuminated manuscript
  • Development of script and symbols in Jewish and Muslim art
Liturgy in stone: gothic art and architecture
  • The obsession with height and the organisation of space: from towers to cathedrals
  • Facing the world: figures at the gates
  • Opening walls to light: stained glass windows
The rediscovery of Man: the emergence of modernity
  • Changing perspectives of the natural world
  • Made in the image of God: Images of self and the divine
  • The sacred and the secular
Reforming and Reacting: art for the masses
  • The corruption and destruction of religious art
  • The revival of martyrs and heroes: the triumphant church
  • The convergence of the arts: towards realism
From realism to abstraction
  • Art of the Revolution
  • The Death of Painting (and God?)
  • The crisis of art: reactions to progress
  • The art of abstraction and beyond: towards the intangible and eternal
From religiosity to spirituality
  • New visions, methods, and languages: The challenge of the last century
  • Some views concerning the spiritual in art
  • The Church and the role of the contemporary artist
Session Format
  • Ten lectures on Tuesdays between 17:30 and 19:30 (20 hours) with audio-visual presentations, complemented by group discussions and sharing based on individual observation and contemplation.
  • Three Saturday Site Visits (9 hours)
Dates for this course will be announced by the end of October 2021. This course will be offered in 2022.

Assessment: A reflective journal, based on the prayerful contemplation of selected artworks.

Final Award: Certificate in The way of Beauty: Discovering Faith through Art

Duration: One-year part-time course with two modules

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 70% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment

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.

Pastoral Care/ Chaplaincy in Schools

08/01/2022   Catholic Institute, Floriana
Pastoral Care in Schools - team work

Licence Number: 2013-FHI-028

Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools is being considered as a bridge between faith(s) and culture(s) in the contemporary context. People involved in this mission are to be well prepared in order to be effective instruments of sharing the joy of the Gospel and Gospel values within schools in the current pluralistic society.

Course Aim:

This course gives participants the knowledge and practical skills needed to enhance effective Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools. The course assists participants to build a range of skills necessary for this ministry: reflective, analytical, critical and synthetic, leadership, collaborative, interpersonal, listening, planning, and implementation.

This course is open to all people involved in the educational sector or with an expressed interest to work in this area.

This module, participants will be introduced to the concept of Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in schools. Participants will get the opportunity to discuss and learn how pastoral care/ chaplaincy can be a means to facilitate dialogue between faith(s) and culture(s). In this module, we will articulate how to nurture a wholesome attitude towards life, different religions, and the whole of creation, founded on Gospel values and the teachings of the Church. 

This module offers the participants the opportunity to examine the richness and the challenges of a multicultural and multifaith environment within the school community in the context of Pastoral Theology. 

In the context of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy,  Pastoral Theology enables the people involved in this ministry to nurture in their life and in the life of the whole school community the truth that;

“[t]he nature of the reign of God is the communion of all human beings between themselves and with God”  

( Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio)

This theme will be discussed through selected Scriptural texts and texts from the teachings of the Church and early Church Fathers.

By the end of this module, participants will be able to identify various ways of fostering a relationship with the Transcendent/God through different methods of Prayer. Participants will be able to become more familiar with : 

  • the meaning of  spirituality,  
  • the spiritual development of the young (4-10 yrs.), youth (11-16yrs.), and adults (18+), keeping in mind contemporary culture/s.  
  • how to plan and conduct various spiritual encounters and activities with the young (4-10yrs), youth (11-16yrs) and adults (18+). 

The aim of this module is to enable participants to build resources to design and enrich liturgical and religious celebrations/activities in schools through exploring and adapting artistic expressions, media, and IT resources in the context of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy. 

This module is divided into three parts; 

Part One: One-day seminar – This seminar will enable participants to relate various leadership models and collaboration strategies to Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools.  

Part Two:  Half-day spiritual retreat: where participants will have time to reflect on their own spiritual journey in the light of selected Biblical texts and spiritual literature.    

Part Three:  Online reading:  Four papers are going to be presented as online reading. These papers are related to all the modules and will enable participants to reflect on the different ways that Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy is expressed around the world. Participants will be asked to critically analyze and review these articles and use them to evaluate national experiences. 

 

Session Format

  • Twenty-eight lectures on Thursday between 17:00-19:15 (60 hours)
  • One day-seminar on Saturday 8th January 2022, between 8:30 – 16:30 ( 8hours
  • Morning Retreat (4 hours)
  • Online learning (16 hours)

Calendar:

THM5021: Internalizing and Evaluating various perspectives of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools. – Part 1
DateTimeVenue
Saturday 8th January 20228:30 – 16:30Rivotorto Retreat House Birkirkara
THM5017: Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools: Promoting Human Dignity and Gospel Values in Contemporary Cultures.

Thursdays at 17:00 – 19:15

January13th, 20th, 27th
February3rd, 17th, 24th
March3rd 
Public Holiday- 10th February
Carnival Recess – Friday 25th February – Tuesday 1st March 2022
THM5019: Nurturing Spirituality through Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in Schools

Thursdays at 17:00 – 19:15

March10th, 17th, 24th
April7th, 28th 
May5th, 12th 
Public Holiday: Thursday 31st March 2022
Easter Recess: Monday 11th April – Sunday 24th April 2022
THM5018: Pastoral Theology in relation to Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in Schools

Thursdays at 17:00 – 19:15

May19th, 26th
June2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th  
THM5020: Practical ways of Enriching Liturgical Celebrations and Religious Activities in Schools.

Thursdays at 17:00 – 19:15

September15th, 22nd, 29th
October6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
THM5021: Internalizing and Evaluating various perspectives of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools.
DateTimeVenue
Saturday TBA8:30 – 14:30Rivotorto Retreat House Birkirkara

Assessment: Written assignments. Each assignment will be handed for every module

Final Award: Higher Education Award in Pastoral Care in Schools

MQF Level: Level 6

Duration: 1 year part-time (84 hours)

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 70% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment

Every application will be considered on its individual merits* and includes:

  • Full qaulification at MQF Level 5 (Undergraduate Certificate/ Diploma) or equivalent
  • Proficient in English and/or Maltese language
  • Basic digital competencies (able to do research)
  • Expressed interest in Pastoral Care/ chaplaincy in state or non-state schools.

*sit for a short interview with the board of studies which would assess and consider alternative transferable skills, including proficiency in English/ Maltese – O level or equivalent.

Family Ministry

04/01/2022   St Sebastian Pastoral Centre - Qormi

In our modern society, in which the traditional family is facing many challenges, the need to strengthen, provide a model for, and encourage Catholic families to live their vocation faithfully, has never been greater.

This course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills required in order to serve couples and their families through every phase of the life cycle. This is done through a two-fold programme that combines academic training as well as practical ministry application.

  • Adults who wish to learn more
  • Couples who which to learn more about the Church teaching on the vocation of marriage
  • Cana Couple Leaders (Koppji Mexxejja ta` Cana) – This course offers an indepth understanding of current issues couples and families

Modules:

Faith foundations for ministry: basic themes4 ECTS
Catechetical Ministry6 ECTS

Topics

– Christian Anthropology with a focus on Love and Sexuality
– Church Teachings on Marriage and the Family – Part 1
– Church Teachings on Marriage and the Family – Part 2
– The Gift of Life and the Gift of Love
– Theology of the Body, John Paul II (Non-residential Weekend Seminar)
– Marriage in Scripture and Lectio Divina
– Sacramental Theology of Marriage
– Liturgical Theology of Marriage

Topics

– Pastoral Approach to Marriage and the family
– Psychological and Sociological Perspectives of Marriage and the Family
– Marital relationships and conflict management
– Family work-life balance, financial and time management
– Family Life-Cycle and Dynamics
– Bioethics and the family, formation of conscience and discernment process
– Intimacy in Marriage
– Child development; Communication with children; Children with disability
– Social challenges to the Family, such as alcohol, drug abuse
– Social Media: Challenges and Opportunities for the Family
– Separation; annulment; divorce; cohabitation
– Mental health, ill-health, Domestic violence
– Caring for the elderly and related issues
– The Spirituality and Mission of the Couple (Saturday Morning Seminar)

Nineteen lectures on Thursdays between 18:30 and 20:30 from 4th January till 2nd July 2022 (38 hours)

One non-residential weekend 3rd – 6th February 2022 (15 hours)

Morning Seminar on a Saturday 2nd July 2022 (5 hours)

THD5011: Theology of the Family

January4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
FebruaryNon-Residential Weekend Seminar: 3rd – 6th
8th, 15th, 22nd

THD5010: Theories and Models of Care

March8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Easter Recess from29th March – 11th April 2022
April5th, 26th
May3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st
June14th, 21st
JulySaturday 2nd

Assessment: Written assignment for every module

Final Award: Higher Education Award in Family Ministry

MQF Level: Level 5

Duration: 1 year part-time (58 hours)

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 70% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment

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

Adolescent and Youth Ministry

30/10/2021   Catholic Institute, Floriana & The Archbishop`s Seminary, Rabat
youth group

Licence Number: 2013-FHI-028

The course aims to provide participants with holistic formation and training in preparation for partaking in youth formation programmes. Participants will be presented with an overview of theoretical frameworks underlying contemporary adolescent and youth ministry. Theological, sociological, psychological, and spiritual perspectives will provide the basis for reflection and elaboration of practical skills necessary for leading youth formation programmes. Spiritual Companionship will be the cornerstone for the course, aiming at helping prospective youth ministers discover their mission and facilitate in young people an authentic developmental journey.

More info

Those who are currently involved or who desire to become involved in youth formation programmes within a Church-related ambiance.

Modules:

First Year

2021-2022

CodeModuleValue
THD5020Introduction to Dogmatic Theological Perspectives on Youth Ministry2 ECTS
THM5023Introduction to Practical Theological Perspectives on Youth Ministry2 ECTS
PSY5014Adolescent and Youth Culture2 ECTS
THM5024Biblical and Spiritual Perspectives on Adolescents and Youth2 ECTS

Second Year

2022-2023

CodeModuleValue
THM5025Professional Ethical Practice and Practicum2 ECTS
PSY5012Deepening of a Youth Ministry Charism2 ECTS
PSY5013Self-Awareness Group/ Sensitivity training2 ECTS

First year: 2021-2022:

Module 1 – THD5015: Introduction to Dogmatic Theological Perspectives on Youth Ministry

Lecturers: various

SessionDatesTimes
In-person30th October 202109:00 – 13:00
In-person6th November 202109:00 – 13:00
In-person13th November 202109:00 – 13:00

Module 2 – THD5017: Theological Perspectives on Youth Ministry

Lecturers: various

SessionDatesTimes
Introductory meeting20th November 202109:00 – 13:00
Online Sessions22nd November to 11th December 20216 hours
blended learning
Conclusions meeting18th December 202109:00 – 13:00

Module 3 – THD5015: Adolescent and Youth Culture

Lecturers: various

SessionDatesTimes
In-person19th Februrary 202209:00 – 13:00
In-person5th March 202209:00 – 13:00
In-person26th March 202209:00 – 13:00

Module 4 – THD5015:Biblical and Spiritual Perspectives on Adolescents and Youth

Lecturers: various

SessionDatesTimes
In-person6th to 8th May 2022Non-residential weekend

Dates for the Second year, 2022-2023, will be available in 2022

A mix of assessment methods will be employed to allow for different learning styles. They include:

Assessment: 

  • Modules 1 – 4: Research Paper 100% (at the end of each module)
  • Module 5: Journaling 50%, Mentor evaluation 25%, End of Placement evaluation 25%
  • Module 6 & 7: Reflective paper 100% (at the end of each module)

Final Award: 

  1. Introduction to Adolescent and Youth Ministry
    • This will be awarded upon completion of Year 1, which includes Modules 1-4 only.
    • MQF Level: Level 5 (8 ECTS)
  1. Award in Adolescent and Youth Ministry
    • This will be awarded upon completion of both Year 1 and Year 2, which includes Modules 1-7.
    • MQF Level: Level 5 (16 ECTS)

Duration: 2 years part-time including:

  • Contact hours – 112 hours
  • Supervised Placement and Practice Hours – 62 hours
  • Self-Study Hours – 156 hours
  • Assessment Hours – 70 hours

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 70% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute, in collaboration with the Salesian Family, and the MCYN (Malta Catholic Youth Network)

Applicants must be in possession of:

  1. a Matriculation Certificate or equivalent
  2. demonstrate level B1 Spoken and Written competence of English (Language levels of the Common European Framework of Reference)
  3. submit one referral letter from Parish Priest or the respective Provincial Superior (in the case of members of Consecrated Religious Life), or Movement/ Association Leader (in the case of members of a Youth Group), or equivalent.

The Jewish Roots of Christianity

28/10/2021   Ta` Mlit, Mosta

This course will introduce you to Jesus and the Apostle Paul as Jewish theologians.

The Church was birthed by Jesus the Jew. His Jewish and Gentile followers were rooted in Judaism and a Jewish understanding of God’s relationship to his people. Within this perspective, this course offers four modules:

  • Jesus of Nazareth’s life in the Jewish context through the lens of the infancy narratives and Jesus’ parables
  • Paul of Tarsus with his Jewish upbringing and learning as reflected in his handling of the Jewish Scriptures in his letters
  • Jerusalem in the Jewish context as the background for a better appreciation of Jerusalem in the Gospel narratives.
  • the Jewish roots within Christianity as they particularly stand out in archaeology and early Jewish and Christian Art.

Those who wish to better understand Jesus’ life in its Jewish context and correct any misunderstandings about him and his world.

Modules:

The Beginnings of Christianity within First Century Judaism 2 ECTS
Paul handles the Jewish Scriptures2 ECTS
Jews and Christians Reading the Passion Narratives2 ECTS
Early Jewish and Christian archaeology and art2 ECTS

Session Format

  • Twenty-three lectures on Thursdays between 18:00 and 20:00 (2 hours)
  • Module 1 and 3 will be held online, through ZOOM.

Modules are self-standing and prospective applicants can apply for any one or more module(s) according to their preference.

Calendar:

Module 1 – The Beginnings of Christianity within First Century Judaism

Lecturer: Sisters of Sion & Jonathan Gorsky

October 202128th (Thursdays)
November 20214th, 11th, 18th, 25th (Thursdays)
December 20212nd, 9th
Christmas Recess from19th December 2021 to 3rd January 2022

Module 2 – Paul handles the Jewish Scriptures

Lecturer: Fr Paul Sciberras

January 202213th, 20th, 27th (Thursdays)
February 20223rd, 17th, 24th (Thursdays)
March 20223rd
Public Holiday10th February 2022
Carnival Recess fromThursday 24th to Tuesday 1st March 2022

Module 3 – Jews and Christians Reading the Passion Narratives

Lecturer/s: Sisters of Sion & Jonathan Gorsky

March 202210th, 17th, 24th (Thursday)
April 20227th, 28th (Thursday)
May 20225th, 12th (Thursday)
Easter Recess11th to 24th April 2022
Study PeriodThursday 27th February to 26th March. 

Module 4 – Early Jewish and Christian archaeology and art

May 202219th, 26th (Thursday)
June 20222nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th (Thursday)

Assessment: Written assignment or reflection paper for every module

Final Award: The Jewish Roots of Christianity; Jesus & Paul, Jewish Theologians

Duration: 1 year part-time (112 hours)

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 70% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment

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.

Faith Foundations For Ministry

19/10/2021   Catholic Institute, Floriana

The course is intended to form and support adults who wish to become better acquainted with the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith, in view of their service to the Christian communities.

The introductory study unit (Module 1), will introduce participants to the basic theological notions underlying pastoral ministry. These include fundamental scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological and ethical concepts guiding the evangelising mission of the Church.

The second study unit (Module 2), will facilitate the application of such theological notions to the practical field of catechesis. The participants who complete this course will have the basic knowledge and skills required to serve as catechetical ministers

Want to learn more about this course? You can now watch the introductory webinar held on the 8th July 2021.

Adults who wish to serve as cathecists in their Christian communities.

Modules:

Faith foundations for ministry: basic themes4 ECTS
Catechetical Minsitry6 ECTS

This course is held on Tuesdays at 18:30-20:30, with alternating sessions of in-person meetings and online sessions.

Calendar:

Module 1 – Faith foundations for ministry: basic themes

Mode of Delivery: In person

19/10/2021Il-Missjoni tiegħi, il-vokazzjoni tiegħi
02/11/2021Il-Fidi u r-Rivelazzjoni + Il-Bniedem: Misteru li jiżviluppa tul it-triq tal-ħajja
16/11/2021Introduzzjoni Ġenerali għall-Kotba Mqaddsa
30/11/2021Il-Kelma ta’ Alla: Skrittura, Tradizzjoni u Maġisteru
14/12/2021Skrittura: Ħidma ta’ Alla u l-bniedem
18/01/2022Alla ta’ Ġesù Kristu
15/02/2022Il-Knisja, bennejja tas-Saltna
08/03/2022Il-ħidma tal-Ispirtu s-Santu: Spiritwalità u dixxipulat
22/03/2022Sagramenti u Liturġija
05/04/2022It-Tagħlim Soċjali tal-Knisja
03/05/2022Morali u Virtujiet

Module 2 – Catechetical Ministry

Mode of Delivery: Online

26/10/2021L-Identità tal-Katekeżi
09/11/2021Il-Katekist u r-rwol tiegħu fil-Knisja
23/11/2021Alla huwa mħabba. It-Testment il-Qadim. Pedagoġija ta’ Alla
07/12/2021Ġesú salvatur. Il-pedagoġija ta’ Ġesú
11/01/2022Aspetti diversi tal-Katekeżi
25/01/2022Il-Lingwaġġi tal-Katekeżi
05/02/2022SEMINAR – L-għarfien tal-persuni li se nakkumpanjaw. Perspettivi soċjoloġiċi u psikoloġiċi.
08/02/2022Il-Katekeżi u l-Liturġija
22/02/2022L-Ispirtwalità tal-katekist
15/03/2022Il-katekeżi għal tfal u adolexxenti
b’kundizzjonijiet varji
29/03/2022L-Inizjazzjoni Nisranija u l-Katekeżi għall-Adulti
26/04/2022Lesson planning
10/05/2022Safeguarding good practices
20/05/2022SEMINAR – L-era diġitali u l-katekeżi: Aspetti Prattiċi
24/05/2022Riżorsi li jistgħu jintużaw fil-laqgħat mat-tfal u adolexxenti

Assessment: 

Module 1: Written assignment

Module 2: Written and practical assignment 50% and a Reflective Journal 50%

Final Award: Award in Faith Foundations for Ministry

Duration: 1 year part-time (112 hours)

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 70% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment

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.

Theology

16/10/2021   Iklin Parish Centre, Iklin

Licence Number: 2013-FHI-028

What is theology? This answer is approached from a number of perspectives that, together, articulate a sounder picture of theology. This course aims to provide an insight into the basic tenets of the Christian faith such as God and the Trinity, exploring the itinerary leading to the development of the faith throughout the ages. Moreover, this extends to the relationship between the faith and the contemporary world. Faith can engage in dialogue with the world in a myriad of ways and circumstances. This includes, for example, moral issues in contemporary life and also social issues. This attests to the fact that Christianity cannot be separated from the world. Rather, the Church is called to engage in a relevant dialogue with the world, showing that this dialogue can be achieved. Most of all, the course serves to equip the participant with the necessary ways to show how Christianity is more than ever relevant in the contemporary world.

The course will offer an in-depth curriculum of solid theological discourse enabling participants to:

  • to offer an in-depth curriculum of solid theological discourse enabling participants to reflect deeply about the Christian faith
  • integrate and development of reflective ministry with respect to the needs of our contemporary Church and society
  • provide an opportunity for the ongoing spiritual development of the participants

Those who wish to study Theology and reflect deeply about the Christian faith.

Modules:

First Year

2021-2022

This module introduces the concept of theology, its etymology, and also its development throughout the ages up to contemporary times. Most importantly, it explores questions with regard to the relationship between faith and reason, faith and science, Revelation and Tradition. In this module, participants will be equipped with the tools necessary to make the case for theology and its relevance in today’s world.

Assessment: A written assignment

In this module participants are exposed to the social and cultural milieu of the first centuries, crucial to a better understanding of the spread of Christianity. This is followed by an exploration of the main developments during the Patristic era. This itinerary also covers the first schisms within Christendom, which eventually reach their culmination in the East-West schism of 1054. The development of theology during the medieval era is explored, especially the relationship between theology and philosophy.

Assessment: A written assignment

This module introduces the participants to the main events of the modern period, namely the Protestant Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, the Enlightenment, and its implications on the relationship between theology and philosophy. Developments in the theology of the Roman Catholic Church are also explored, especially with regard to the return to the sources in the 20th century, thus setting the scene for the Second Vatican Council.

Assessment: A written assignment

This module introduces participants to the basics of moral theology, together with an itinerary tracing the main developments of moral theology itself, and the various approaches within this particular field. Moreover, the course provides a deeper understanding of a number of key issues, such as Thomas Aquinas’ contribution to morality, the notion of the moral being, virtues, conscience, sin, and reconciliation.

Assessment: A written assignment

Second Year

2022-2023

The first part of the course provides a theological reflection on the person of Jesus Christ. Following an adequate understanding of the terms “Jesus of history” and “Christ of faith”, the course will take the New Testament as its focal point to discuss the Christology in the Synoptics and the Gospel of John, Jesus preaching of the Kingdom, the uniqueness of the Resurrection, and the Christological titles.

In the second part, the course offers a theological reflection on the mystery of the Trinity as far as it can be explained in human language. A deeper understanding of revelation enables us to focus on the encounter between the human and the divine in the relationship with the Trinitarian God: it is in this context that we can reflect on the essence of God in three Persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Assessment: A written assignment

As St Augustine reminds us, the human search for God is still ongoing and has been throughout the ages. This module explores the human search for God in contemporary times where the participants reflect on the importance of the Second Vatican Council and the dialogue of the Roman Catholic Church with the contemporary world.

Assessment: A written assignment

This module follows closely with the THD5019: Contemporary Issues after the Second Vatican Council. In that, it continues to answer the search for God in two other aspects; Spirituality and Catholic Social Teaching.

Part 1 – Spirituality

In the first part of the module, the participants are encouraged to delve deeper into what ‘spirituality’ entails, a word that is over-used in our times. The origin of the word is explored, together with the various forms of spirituality seen throughout the ages, leading to the contemporary era and use. Since it is felt that it merits discussion and personal reflection, participants will be able to share their thoughts on spirituality with the group, using presentations or other resources.

Part 2 – Catholic Social Teaching

The third part of the module explores another important and relevant aspect, that of Catholic social teaching. Participants are made aware of the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding social issues and contemporary questions and

Assessment: Two written assignments

 

Session Format

  • Fifty-six lectures over two years held on Mondays between 18:30 and 20:30 from 14th October 2021 (112 hours)
  • Four, two-hour, tutorial sessions, held on Mondays and Saturdays (two sessions per year)

 

Calendar:

Introductory Seminar

Saturday16th October 202110:00 – 12:00

THD5005: Theology and the Human Quest for God

Mondays 18:30 – 20:30

October18th & 25th
November1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

THD5006: Theological thought and development during Early and Medieval times

Mondays 18:30 – 20:20

December6th
Seminar December11th at 10:00
January 20223rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st
February7th
Seminar February12th at 10:00
Christmas Recess – 19th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022

 

THD5007: Theological thought and development during Early and Medieval times

Mondays 18:30 – 20:20

February14th & 21st
March7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
April4th
Carnival Recess – 24th February – 1st March

 

THM5022: Introduction to Moral Theology

Mondays 18:30 – 20:20

April25th
May2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th
June6th
Easter Recess 11th- 24th April

Modules 5 – 7 will be offered in 2022-2023. Dates for these modules will be available in June 2022

Assessment: Written assignments. Each assignment will be handed for every module

Final Award: Higher Education Award in Theology

MQF Level: Level 5

Duration: 2-year part-time (112 hours)

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 70% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment

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.