Introduction to Diakonia

This course will explore the roots of Diakonia in; Sacred Scripture and early Christian communities. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the relationship between Diakonia, faith and prayer whilst delving into key areas of Catholic Social Teaching. Participants will also examine the evolution of Diakonia in Malta and learn about available services.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 38% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

This course is intended for:

  • Individuals who are already involved in Diakonia and wish to deepen their involvement in it.
  • Individuals who are interested in becoming involved in Diakonia.
  • Individuals who are interested in offering Diakonia-related services through a Church entity that they form part of.

N.B. completing this course does not entitle the student to automatically become a pastoral operator engaged in Djakonija within any specific parish. Such appointments are made at the discretion of the Parish Priest/Chaplain of the respective Parish/community.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The following topics will be explored:

  1. Biblical meaning of the word Diakonia and the word in the Old Testament;
  2. Djakonija in the New Testament with special reference to Acts;
  3. Djakonija in the first communities – the link between kerygma, koinonia, diakonia and liturgia;
  4. Personal prayer life leads me to Diakonia;
  5. The link between faith and life is one of the cornerstones of Christian theology and can be described in a variety of ways. For St Paul, “the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”;
  6. Evangelisation, djakonija and the digital age;
  7. Malta’s reality has changed – what are today’s sociological ‘pains’?;
  8. The Preferential Option for the Poor & the four pillars of Catholic social teaching; human dignity common good, subsidiarity and solidarity;
  9. How the Church in Malta was a pioneer in the Diakonia sector;
  10. What Diakonia services are being offered today? What are the different types of professionals working in this field?

This course has two exit certificate options: 

Certificate of Participation

will be awarded to students that pass from short multiple-choice exam on each topic.

Certificate of Achievement

will be awarded to students that pass from short multiple-choice exam on each topic and pass from written assessment.

Qualifications

The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language Competence

A primary level understanding of Maltese and English is required.

Digital Competence

Ability to access the internet and use a word processor is required.

Every application will be considered on its individual merits and evaluated on the basis of academic potential.

 

Register for this Course