Called to Accompany is a formation course for those called to facilitate Catholic support groups and help in activities for separated persons. The course offers practical and spiritual tools to accompany others with compassion, integrity, and faith. It includes sessions on group dynamics, safeguarding, and the spiritual foundations of this ministry, helping facilitators and helpers to create safe, respectful, and hope-filled environments rooted in the Church’s care.

  • Facilitators leading support groups in parishes
  • Members of subcommittees helping in social events; retreats and conferences/seminars

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 9:00am to 12:30pm at The Archbishop’s Curia

DatesSession
10th January 2026Group Dynamics
24th January 2026Safeguarding (*)
7th February 2026Spirituality from Bible Texts
(*) Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

This lesson delves into the essential principles of safeguarding, focusing on creating safe environments for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. By the lesson’s conclusion, students will be well-versed in safeguarding policies, understand the core principles underlying safeguarding, and recognize various types of abuse along with their signs and symptoms. They will also learn how to handle disclosures of abuse, maintain professional boundaries, identify poor practices, and comprehend their legal obligations under the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019).

This lesson is offered in-person and continues with an online session namely:

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning) dated 24th January 2026
  2. 2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

An additional Certificate of Participation will be awarded to students who successfully complete the course multiple-choice test. An MFHEA-accredited Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students who successfully complete the safeguarding component, pass the short multiple-choice online exam, and submit a reflective journal.

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending all contact hours (100%) for this course and successfully completing and passing 15 short multiple-choice questions on the first and third lecture available on the Moodle platform.

2. Certificate of Achievement

The student will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement upon meeting the attendance criteria outlined above, successfully completing the multiple-choice assessment, and submitting a 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.

 

Application Form