This course is intended to form and support catechists who wish to become better acquainted with the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith, in view of their service to the Christian community as a catechist.
By the end of this course, the learner will:
- become acquainted with the main theological areas underlying catechetical ministry;
- become equipped with essential practical skills needed in the service of catechetical ministry.
Applicants who are in possession of a Diploma (or higher) in Theology or Religious Studies are exempted from Module 1 Faith Foundations for Ministry.
Applicants who are in possession of an Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults certificate are exempt from Module 3 Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults. In both cases, applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.
- Catechists who do not have an academic background in theology. (Catechists who do have a qualification in theology may opt to attend only Module 2: Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children
Target Audience Age: 18+
The course is made up of three blended modules:
Modules:
| ICM4001 | Faith Foundations for Ministry | 2 Credits |
| ICM4002 | Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children | 3 Credits |
| SGC4001 | Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults | 1 ECTS |
Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry
This module offers a basic introduction to key themes of the main areas of Christian theology. These include fundamental, scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical theological concepts guiding the evangelising mission of the Church.
By the end of the module the learner will have:
- become aware of his or her call as a catechist and why this role is valuable within the Church;
- become aware of what the sources of theology are;
- gained a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.
Module 2 – Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children
This module will enable the participants to construct a holistic vision of the catechetical ministry which responds to contemporary needs. It will address various areas of knowledge and skills necessary for the formation of the catechetical minister. The formation will cover theoretical and practical aspects of basic catechetical principles, formation in catechetical methodology, recourse to the appropriate social sciences, meeting the needs of children with different social and or psychological needs, and lesson planning.
At the end of the module, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- develop a thorough and holistic view of the different aspects which build up the core identity of the catechetical minister in the Church;
- develop the ability to apply the basic principles acquired in the previous module (Module 1) to the specific catechetical field.
Module 3 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
The intended learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
- understand the legal obligations with child abuse
- identify signs and symptoms of abuse
- know the disclosures of abuse
- identify the principles of safeguarding
- practice professional boundaries
- know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
- learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
- understand a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
- be able to recognise signs of abuse
- identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help
Click here for more information on the Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults module.
Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry
The first module of this course is made up of 7 recorded sessions. Applicants will have access to this material on the PFI`s Moodle Portal. These recorded sessions will be available in May 2023
Recorded Sessions
| The Sacred Scriptures |
| The Scriptures, Tradition and Magisterium |
| The Christian doctrine of God of Jesus Christ |
| The Holy Spirit |
| The Church as the builder of the Kingdom of God |
| The meaning of the Sacraments and the Liturgy |
| The Catholic Social Teaching of the Church |
Module 2 – Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children
The second module of this course is made up of 3 in-person sessions and 9 recorded sessions. Recorded sessions will be available on the PFI`s Moodle Portal VLE platform, which participants can follow at their own pace. These recorded sessions will be available in March 2023
In-Person Seminars
Saturdays between 9:30am – 12:30pm
| Dates | Seminar Titles | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 11th March 2023 | My Mission and Vocation as a Catechist | Ms Mariella Catania |
| 1st April 2023 | Understanding Those Whom We Accompany | Dr Marlene Cauchi |
| 17th June 2023 | The Digital Era & Catechesis: Practical Aspects | Fr. Matthew Pulis & Fr Stefan Bonanno |
Recorded Sessions
| The Identity of Catechesis |
| The Catechists and their role in the Church |
| Jesus the Teacher |
| The five aspects of Catechesis |
| The Language of Catechesis |
| The Spirituality of the Catechist |
| Catechesis for children and adolescents with different conditions |
| Christian Initiation and Adult Catechesis |
| Lesson planning & Catechetical resources |
Module 3 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
The module is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:
- 3 hours – In-person session
- 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal.
Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.
In-Person Session: Saturday 22nd April 2023 between 9:30am – 12:30pm
Click here for more information on the Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults module.
Assessment:
This course has three exit certificate options:
- Certificate of Attendance
Students will receive a Certificate of Attendance if they attend all the contact hours for this course (per module the applicant applies for).
- Certificate of Participation
Students will receive a Certificate of Participation* if they sit for the exam and pass the short multiple-choice question exam. There will be a short exam per module.
- Certificate of Achievement
Students will receive a Certificate of Achievement*, if they sit and pass the multiple-choice questions (mentioned in point 2), and submit an assignment of at least 500-1000 words (per module).
Final Awards: Introduction to Catechetical Ministry & Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Lifelong Catechesis, and Safeguarding Commission
Duration: 5 months part-time (35 hours)
* To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must: attend a minimum of 80% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment
- Applicants who are in possession of a Diploma (or higher) in Theology or Religious Studies are exempted from Module 1 Faith Foundation for Ministry. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.
- Applicants who are in possession of an Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults certificate are exempt from Module 3 Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.
Digital competences:
Applicants are required to have basic computer literacy, mainly the knowledge of how to access and use an internet browser and use a word processor
Language competences:
The student is required to have at least an end-of-primary school level of understanding of Maltese and English.