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Canon Law and Institutes of Consecrated Life

20/09/2023   Archdiocese of Malta, St Calcedonius Square, Floriana
A 20% discount will be given when more than 5 applicants
from the same congregation apply for this course.

This course aims at accompanying consecrated men and women by inviting them to deepen their formation in Canon Law in the context of Consecrated Life. 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, the participants will become aware of what the teachings of Canon Law in the realm of consecrated life are and be able to reflect, analyse and synthesise the applicability of Canon Law in various circumstances. 

 

  • Men and women members of the consecrated life
  • Men and women of societies of apostolic life

Target Audience Age: 18+

Session 1:     The ecclesial magisterium and consecrated life

Session 2:     Documents from Vatican Council II until today  

Session 3:     Documents from Vatican Council II until today  

Session 4:     Introduction to Canon Law and consecrated life within the                                                           Code of Canon Law (CIC)

Session 5:     History and forms of consecrated Life

Session 6:     The evangelical counsels

Session 7:     Religious life: admission and separation

Session 8:     Governance of institutes

Session 9:     Administration of goods

Session 10:   The apostolate of institutes

Session 11:    Relationship with clergy and diocesan bishop

Session 12:   Related matters to consecrated life in Canon Law

Wednesdays: 16:30 – 18:30

September20th, 27th
October11th, 18th, 25th
November8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
December6th

This course will conclude with a retreat on Saturday 9th December 2023.

Certification:  

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend 80% of all contact hours.

   2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend 80% of all contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online assessment. 

  3.  Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

      • attend 80% of all contact hours;
      • pass the short multiple-choice online exam; 
      • and successfully complete a written assignment in English.

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Language: Proficient in English.

Digital Competences: Computer literate (how to access the internet and use a word processor).

20% discount will be given when more than 5 applicants
from the same congregation apply for this course.

Application Form

Application Form

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Applications for this course are now closed.

Introduction to Holy Communion

01/01/2023   Online

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

Course Description

The course Introduction to the Eucharist is designed to give the extraordinary minister formation and direction for distributing communion during masses and to be a guide to help him/her in taking communion to those who are unable to join the community in person. By the end of this course the student will: 

  • have a basic biblical and theological understanding of the teachings related to the Eucharist.   
  • know the language in which liturgical worship is explicit. 
  • learn most matters concerning the rite of Communion.  
  • learn to appreciate more the sacrament of Holy Communion. 
  • acquire a deeper knowledge of the role of the extraordinary minister. 
  • grasp the spiritual meaning that this role entails

Intended For

  • Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who provide a service during church masses, in residential elderly homes or homebound sick persons.   
  • Those who wish to learn to appreciate more the sacrament of Holy Communion. 
  • Those who are starting their service as extraordinary ministers. 

Please Note: Doing this course does not entitle the student to become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Extraordinary ministers are chosen by the pastor of the parish/community. 

Curriculum

Part 1: God With Us – Dogmatic Theology 
  1. Christian theology on God’s revelation in the Eucharist.  
  2. The communitarian dimension of the Eucharist.  
  3. Eucharistic miracles around the world.  
  4. Re-actualisation – understanding the past, present and future dimensions of the sacraments.  
  5. Terminology for the Blessed Sacrament.  
Part 2: The Biblical Foundations of the Eucharist
  1. The scriptural perspective of the Church’s teachings on the Eucharist. 
  2. The foreshadowing of the Eucharist in the Old Testament. 
  3. The Last Supper narratives. 
  4. The testimony of St Paul on the Eucharist. 
  5. Exegesis. 
 
Part 3: The Eucharist in Daily Life 
  1. The role of the extraordinary minister at mass and at home. 
  2. The effects of the Eucharist on the community. 
  3. Cultivating my relationship with God through the Eucharist. 
  4. Way of life of the extraordinary minister. 
  5. The spiritual dimension of the role of the Eucharistic minister – testimonials:  

Calendar

The course is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 18 minutes long. The student will be provided with a username and a password so s/he can watch these sessions on his/her own device. The total number of minutes amounts to 5-6 hours including the assessment.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment: Multiple choice test after each online session. The pass mark is 60%. 

Certificate: Certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all the sessions and pass all the assessments.

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Awarding and Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Entry Requirement

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.

A very well-prepared course – portraying the beauty of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
Unfortunately, we tend to take the Eucharist for granted. After following the course, you become more aware of the importance behind this ministry.
Maria Farrugia
It is more than an introduction – it highlights the treasure we have in the Catholic faith of having the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and how honoured we should feel when we are called to share in the eucharistic ministry.
Sr Teresa Tonna
Thank you for this enriching experience. It helped me grow spiritually and gave me the opportunity to look at the sacrament of the eucharist in a profound way.
Melanie Ungaro
Since I work in a church school and I’m directly involved in the spiritual formation of our students I had wanted to do this course. The way it was presented was very convenient to do it at my own time. Found it very informative and interesting
Eugenia Blake
The course has challenged me and also helped me to believe more in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. I also thank the team of PFI.
Sr Rosemary Onyinyechi Akamnonu
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Lectures were short, to the point & well delivered. Apart from providing me with factual information about the Eucharist, this course has deepened my appreciation and love for the Blessed Sacrament.
Christine Galea

Introduction to Holy Mass

01/01/2023   Online
introduction to holy mass

Course Description

The course Introduction to the Holy Mass is designed to give all those involved in the preparation of the Liturgy, formation for a better understanding of the different parts of the Eucharistic celebration. In light of Sacrosanctum Concilium’s desire to restore the celebration of the Mass to the vigour it enjoyed in Patristic times the course intends to explain the liturgico-historical roots of the different rites of the Mass for a better understanding of the celebration of the Eucharist according to the post-conciliar Missale Romanum. Moreover, such knowledge will enable the participants to put into practice the much desired active participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Mass.  By the end of this course the student will:  

  • have a basic liturgical and theological understanding of the celebration of the Mass according to the Missale Romanum 1975. 
  • know the language in which liturgical worship is explicated.  
  • know the historical roots of the different parts of the Mass. 
  • learn most matters concerning the different rites which compose the celebration of the Mass.   
  • acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different roles, members of the assembly hold.  
  • grasp the spiritual meaning that these roles entail

Intended For

  • Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion,
  • Lectors, Animators,
  • Choir members,
  • members of the Parish Liturgical Commission
  • and those interested in understanding better the celebration of the Eucharist.

Curriculum

Part 1: The Introductory Rites  

  • The Introit
  • Greeting of the Altar and of the Assembly  
  • The Act of Penance
  • The Kyrie Eleison
  • The Gloria
  • The Collect 

Part 2: The Liturgy of the Word   

  • The Readings and the Responsorial Psalm
  • The Acclamation and the Gospel
  • The Homily
  • The Profession of Faith
  • The Prayer of the Faithful. 

Part 3: The Liturgy of the Eucharist  

  • The Offertory
  • The Preface
  • The Eucharistic Prayer I
  • The Eucharistic Prayer II
  • The Eucharistic Prayer III
  • The Eucharistic Prayer IV
  • The Eucharistic Prayer V
  • The Eucharistic Prayer of Reconciliation I and II 

Part 4: The Communion Rite

  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • The Rite of Peace
  • The Fraction
  • Communion
  • The Concluding Rites

Calendar

The course is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 15 minutes long. The student will be provided with a username and a password so s/he can watch these sessions at his/her own computer or other technological device. The total number of minutes amount to 6-7hrs including the assessment.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.

Assessment & Certification

Assessment: Multiple choice test after each online session. The pass mark is 60%. 

Certificate: Certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all the sessions and pass all the assessments.

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Awarding and Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Entry Requirement

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.

Benedictine Spirituality Today

17/10/2022   Ta` Mlit, Mosta
St Benedict

The course Benedictine Spirituality for Today is designed to introduce people to the life and teachings of St Benedict of Norcia (480 – 547), Patriarch of Western Monastics, and Patron of Europe. St Benedict is well-known for his Rule, in which he carefully integrates prayer, manual labor, and study into a well-rounded daily routine.  

His Rule for Monasteries is steeped in Sacred Scripture and is presented as a small guide for beginners. This course shows the Rule of St Benedict as a handbook whose teachings can be readily applied to twenty-first century Christians willing to live their Christian lives in a parish, school, hospital community, or any other community, which for them would be a school of the Lord’s Service’. The ultimate aim is holiness and beholding the face of God. 

Currently, enrolment is not open for this course. For further information contact us on [email protected]
  • have a basic knowledge of the life of St Benedict of Norcia as described in the Dialogues of St Gregory the Great;   
  • be conversant with the major themes in the Rule of St Benedict; 
  • be able to describe Benedictine Spirituality as a way of receiving and giving Blessings within the context of a School of the Lord’s Service; 
  • have read at least the most important parts of the Rule of St Benedict; 
  • be able to identify some major Benedictine geographic landmarks today; 
  • have come across some of the commentators on the Rule of St Benedict; 
  • have been introduced in general terms to Basil and Cassian, as indicated by St Benedict himself; 
  • have been introduced in general terms to the life and writings of Bernard of Clairvaux. 
  • attempt to work out a spirituality based on Benedict’s teachings for the workplace, the family, leisure time, and the digital world of social media 
  • confidently discuss the values and virtues that St Benedict promotes in his Rule; 
  • have had time to reflect on how to apply Benedictine values in their daily lives.
  1. Those who are in search of God in their daily lives.  
  2. Beginners in the spiritual life who would like to explore ‘a small rule for beginners’ as they journey towards God. 
  3. People are interested in Saint Benedict as a master and guide of the spiritual life.  

People who would like to explore what Saint Benedict may have to offer for their spiritual journey. 

Target Audience Age: 18+

Currently, enrolment is not open for this course. For further information contact us on [email protected]
Lecture 1: Introduction
  • Benedictine Places and things: Via Benedicti, Pax inter Spinas, Pax, the Benedictine Medal, and St Benedict from the Dialogues of St Gregory the Great Book 2
    Reading St Benedict 1 – Introduction on preparing a personalized list of Benedict’s maxims 
  • Prologue, Chapter 73, texts on the Abbot
Lecture 2:
  • Texts on Meekness and Obedience
  • Texts on Prayer and Liturgy
Lecture 3:
  • A school of the Lord’s Service
  • Texts on Synodality
Lecture 1:
  • The Three Benedictine Vows – Obedience, Stability, and Conversion of Manners
  • The Three Components of the Benedictine Day – Ora et Labora et Lege
Lecture 2:
  • The Ten Benedictine Values – I: The Three Ls – Listening, Lectio Divina, Liturgy
  • The Ten Benedictine Values – II: The Three Hs – Humility, Humanity and Hospitality
Lecture 3:
  • The Ten Benedictine Values – III: The Four Ss – Spiritual Fatherhood, Stability, seeking God, and Silences
  • The seventy-two instruments of good works

Lecture 1:
  • Towards a Benedictine Spirituality of the workplace for managers and others
  • Towards a Benedictine Spirituality of Parish Life
Lecture 2:
  • Hints from Benedict that may be applied to the digital world of social media
  • Spiritual Direction in the Rule of St Benedict
Lecture 3:
  • Reading Basil and Cassian – selected texts
  • Bernard of Clairvaux – the purification of Benedict

 

 The course is delivered over 27 contact hours over 9 weeks. The 3-hour sessions are held weekly on Mondays between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

Venue: Ta` Mlit, Mosta
Currently, enrolment is not open for this course. For further information contact us on [email protected]
Part 1 : Reading the Dialogues of St Gregory the Great and The Rule of St Benedict
Lecture 1Monday 17th October 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 2Monday 24th October 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 3Monday 31st October 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Part 2: Benedictine Spirituality in Numbers – The Major Themes of The Rule of St Benedict
Lecture 1Monday 7th November 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 2Monday 14th November 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 3Monday 21st November 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Part 3: Applying Benedict
Lecture 1Monday 28th November 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 2Monday 5th December 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Lecture 3Monday 12th December 20225:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Certification:  

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students need to meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the three-course multiple-choice online exams. 

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend at least 80% of the course`s contact hours;  
  • pass the three short multiple-choice online exams; 
  • and successfully complete a short essay of at least 500 words;

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

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: Applicants are required to have an end-of-primary school level of understanding of Maltese and English

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use a word processor

M.A. in Environmental Ethics

01/10/2021

The Master of Arts in Environmental Ethics is an inter-faculty programme that aims to identify and analyse the ethical and political underpinnings of cultural, biological and ecological degradation, as well as of the potential for creating and safeguarding sustainable human ecologies for the benefit of both present and future generations.

Offered by the Faculty of Theology, in collaboration with the Faculty for the Built Environment, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Laws, the Institute of Earth Systems and the Centre for Environmental Education and Research, the course is strongly inter-disciplinary in its scientific analysis and ethical evaluation.

The modules of the programme cover the following topics:

  • Environmental ethics, the political community and future generations
  • The relational human subject and cultural-ecological responsibility
  • Environmental ethics in law and policy making
  • Environmental ethics and economics
  • The built environment: aesthetics and sustainability
  • Technological sustainability
  • Food ethics
  • Education for sustainable development


Full details

Recommended for professionals, members of civil society, business persons, educators and others involved in urban planning, policy making, manufacturing, health and veterinary sciences, and related areas.

Opening next: October 2024 (offered every 3 years)

Course duration: 6 semesters part-time (evening)

Study mode: taught (2 years) and research (1 year)

The Faculty of Theology offers various courses in different areas of theology. For further information and to apply for these courses visit www.um.edu.mt/theology

M.A. in Catholic School Leadership

01/10/2021

The Master of Arts in Catholic School Leadership is a joint inter-disciplinary programme that is intended to train and empower candidates involved in the leadership of schools and other faith entities. It aims at fostering research and good practices in managerial and leadership skills, as well as reflective practice in Catholic leadership. 

The different modules of the programme cover the following topics: educational management and leadership; fundamentals of educational research; critical issues for school leaders; effective leadership in schools; applied educational research methods; professional development models; Catholic understanding of humanity for contemporary culture; leadership in the Church; psychology of leadership; nurturing professional learning communities in Maltese schools; contemporary Catholic institutions; and developing emotional and relational competence. 

The course is recommended for those interested or already involved in the running of Catholic schools and/or faith formation institutions, and those interested in enriching their profession with the philosophical vision of Catholic leadership. 

Course duration: 6 semesters part-time (evening) 

Study mode: taught (2 years) and research (1 year) 

Opening next: October 2025 (offered every 3 years)

The Faculty of Theology offers various courses in different areas of theology. For further information and to apply for these courses visit www.um.edu.mt/theology

M.A. in Business Ethics

01/10/2021

The Master of Arts in Business Ethics is an inter-disciplinary programme that introduces candidates to the important ethical issues, concepts and theories linked to the context of business activities and related economic environments. Offered by the Faculty of Theology in collaboration with the Faculty of Laws and the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA), the course brings together the fields of business studies, philosophical ethics, marketing, public policy, law, and moral theology.


The modules of the programme cover the following topics:

  • Financial ethics
  • Human resources and relationships 
  • Sustainability, environment and ethics 
  • Management and marketing ethics
  • Corporate governance and culture of ethics
  • Role of government, politics, economics and business in a globalised world 
  • Ethical theories and the practice of business   



Recommended for business practitioners (directors, company secretaries, compliance officers, ethics officers), bank officials, business academics, philosophers, lawyers, accountants, trade union officials, representatives of government and non-governmental organisations, and conscientious stakeholders everywhere. 

Read what our alumni say about the course.

Opening next: October 2025 (offered every 3 years)

Course duration: 6 semesters part-time (evening)

Study mode: taught (2 years) and research (1 year)

The Faculty of Theology offers various courses in different areas of theology. For further information and to apply for these courses visit www.um.edu.mt/theology

M.A. in Bioethics

01/10/2021

The Master of Arts in Bioethics is an inter-disciplinary programme that encourages research in bioethics and enables a systematic and critical understanding of the theoretical foundations and methodology of this area. The course aims to foster a culture respectful of bioethics amongst biomedical and healthcare professionals, and train professionals to face the contemporary bioethical challenges.

The different modules of the programme cover the following topics: ethical issues in genetics; ethics at the edges of human life; the best interests of the child; neuroethics, mental health and psychiatric ethics; bioethics, law and policy; priority setting, justice and resource allocation; suffering, spirituality and palliative care; emerging European values and policies in bioethics; and research ethics.

Full details here

Recommended for health care professionals, administrators of healthcare facilities, psychologists, social workers, philosophers, lawyers and teachers. It is accepted for promotion purposes in the nursing and allied health professions.

Opening next: October 2025 (offered every 2 years)

Course duration: 6 semesters part-time (evening)

Study mode: taught (2 years) and research (1 year)

The Faculty of Theology offers various courses in different areas of theology. For further information and to apply for these courses visit www.um.edu.mt/theology

Diploma in the Archival and Cultural Appreciation of Ecclesiastical Patrimony

01/10/2021

The Diploma in the Archival and Cultural Appreciation of Ecclesiastical Patrimony is an undergraduate course (MQF Level 5) intended to provide students with the elements necessary to interpret the Church’s cultural heritage within the broader context of significant events and movements in the broader history of the European continent. The course is recommended for candidates at any level, who are interested in the Ecclesiastical Cultural heritage. 

The Faculty of Theology offers various courses in different areas of theology. For further information and to apply for these courses visit www.um.edu.mt/theology

Postgraduate Diploma in Pastoral Psychology

01/10/2021

The course is recommended for those involved or interested in the abovementioned areas and can qualify as a pre-doctoral course for graduates in clinical and counselling psychology.  

Course duration: 4 semesters part-time (evening)  

Study mode: taught (2 years).  

Opening next: October 2024 (offered every 3 years)

For more information.

The Faculty of Theology offers various courses in different areas of theology. For further information and to apply for these courses visit www.um.edu.mt/courses/search?text=&level=Undergraduate&entity=theology