PFI Courses – Page 2 – Pastoral Formation Institute

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for University Chaplaincy

29/05/2025 University of Malta Chaplaincy, Imsida

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as Further Education Programme.

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
learn 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 to view and download a detailed course description

Those attending University of Malta Chaplaincy

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE/SCA4-23	Blended Learning	1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI’s Moodle Portal.

June – July 2025

Lecturing Period

Mode of Delivery	Date & Time	Venue
In-person	28th June 2025 from 9:00am to 12:00pm	University of Malta Chaplaincy, Imsida
Recorded Material	29th June – 13th July 2025	Recorded videos on the VLE platform

Assessment Period:

Assessment	Available From	Due by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam	29th June 2025	13th July 2025
Reflective Journal	29th June 2025	28th July 2025

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be rewarded to students who have:

attended in-person session
watched all the recorded material
and did not submit any course assessments.

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation* will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple choice test. (please check the calendar tab above for exam dates)

Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement* is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

meet the attendance criteria
sit and pass the short multiple-choice online exam (mentioned in point 2),
and also submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

*_{To obtain a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Participation, a student must; attend all the contact hours and successfully conclude the assessment/s}.

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award 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: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital: Knows how to access the internet and use a word processor.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

The Organ in the Liturgy – Stylistic Playing and Harmonization

26/05/2025

This course explores stylistic approaches to organ playing from the Baroque to the Romantic periods, with a particular focus on liturgical application. Participants will learn the non-legato “ordinary” touch that was standard until the early 19th century, followed by the legato style that became prevalent thereafter. Practical sessions will include set pieces, appropriate registration techniques, and stylistic interpretation. The course also covers hymn harmonisation, training participants to add three lower parts to a melody. These skills support both liturgical responsibilities and the improvisational development of the church organist.

Organists and those interested to be, and choir leaders.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Date	Session	Venue
TBA	Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century – Part 1	Archbishop’s Seminary
TBA	Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century – Part 2	Archbishop’s Seminary
TBA	Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards – Part 1	Archbishop’s Seminary
TBA	Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards – Part 2	Archbishop’s Seminary
TBA	Harmonisation at the organ – Part 1	Archbishop’s Seminary
TBA	Harmonisation at the organ – Part 2	Archbishop’s Seminary

Session 1 and 2: Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century

Legato, or “ordinary” touch, was the standard technique for organ playing until the 19th century. Course participants will be guided in applying this touch with both hands and feet through the practice of selected pieces from the Baroque repertoire. The recommended registrations for these pieces will also be explained.

Session 3 and 4: Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards

From the late 19th century, the legato touch became the standard approach in organ performance. Participants will learn how to apply this technique for both hands and feet by practising selected works from the Romantic period. Guidance will also be provided on appropriate registration choices for this style.

Session 5 and 6: Harmonisation at the organ

A key responsibility of a church organist is the ability to harmonise hymns at sight. In these sessions, participants will be taught how to harmonise a melody by adding three lower parts. In addition to their practical application in hymn playing, these skills will also support the development of improvisation techniques.

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance
The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when sitting and successfully compete and pass the short multiple-choice questions online exam which will be available on the Moodle platform.

3. Certificate of Achievement
The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course, as well as after passing a short practical examination and viva session.

This course is delivered by the Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute.

Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English. They must also have a minimum of grade 6 standard in a keyboard instrument (piano or organ).

A copy of the certificate indicating achievement of minimum grade 6 standard must be uploaded in the application form below.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults for Fondazzjoni Sebħ Staff – August 2025

26/05/2025 Fondazzjoni Sebħ Premises, Ħamrun

This short course is designed for employees and volunteers who work with children, young people, and vulnerable adults, or who handle their data. Participants will gain an understanding of the key principles of safeguarding and develop skills to create and maintain a safe environment for all individuals in their care.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
Understand legal obligations concerning child abuse
Identify signs and symptoms of abuse
Understand disclosures of abuse
Identify core principles of safeguarding
Practise professional boundaries effectively
Know their legal obligations under the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
Recognise different types of abuse and poor practices
Learn a standard response to disclosures of abuse
Recognise signs of abuse
Identify appropriate actions to take when concerned and understand who to approach for support

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Fondazzjoni Sebħ employees who work with children and vulnerable adults and handle their data.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE/SCA4-23	Blended Learning	1 ECTS

The course is delivered over 5 contact hours. These 5 hours are delivered over two sessions:

3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
2 hours – recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI`s Moodle Portal (Blended Learning)

Students will also be given additional reading material which they can read in their own time.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

You may find all the dates in the Calendar section below.

Each course is delivered over two sessions; (a) 3-hour, in-person session and (b) 2 hours of recorded material which can be accessed on the PFI’s Moodle Portal.

August/ September 2025

Lecturing Period

Mode of Delivery	Date & Time	Venue
In-person	1st August 2025 from 9:30am to 12:30pm	Fondazzjoni Sebħ, Ħamrun
Recorded Material	2nd – 16th August 2025	Recorded videos on the VLE platform

Assessment Period:

Assessment	Available From	Due by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam	2nd August 2025	16th August 2025
Reflective Journal	2nd August 2025	1st September 2025

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be rewarded to students who have:

attended in-person session
watched all the recorded material
and did not submit any course assessments.

Certificate of Participation

Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement* is awarded to students who successfully concluded the course, that is;

meet the attendance criteria
sit and pass the short multiple-choice online exam (mentioned in point 2),
and also submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

*_{To obtain a Certificate of Achievement or a Certificate of Participation, a student must; attend all the contact hours and successfully conclude the assessment/s}.

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and Blended Learning, it is required that applicants reside in the Maltese Islands and use their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, head to Identity Malta’s VISA requirement for third-country nationals.

Practice in Liturgical Music Animation

26/05/2025

This course will focus on the practice of liturgical music leadership. Each session will include vocal technique training and practical methods for introducing new repertoire to the assembly. Additionally, every session will explore the various parts of the Mass and other liturgical celebrations. Active participation from each student—both in singing and directing—is a compulsory component of this course.

Those involved in liturgical animation, or anyone interested in this ministry, to deepen their knowledge and enhance their practical skills in the field.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The Archbishop’s Seminary, Rabat

Date	Session
TBA	Practical musical animation for the mass 1
TBA	Practical musical animation for the mass 2
TBA	Practical musical animation for the mass 3
TBA	Practical assembly conducting 1
TBA	Practical assembly conducting 2
TBA	Practical assembly conducting 3

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance
The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum 80% of all contact hours for this course.
Certificate of Participation
The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when sitting and successfully compete and pass the short multiple-choice questions online exam which will be available on the Moodle platform.
Certificate of Achievement
To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum 80% of all contact hours and pass the short multiple-choice online exam practical and viva session.

This course is delivered by the Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute.

Ħarbex il- Melodija

23/05/2025

Ħarbex il-Melodija huwa opportunità għall-kompożituri u mużiċisti, li jixtiequ jħaddmu t-talenti tagħhom, sabiex jiktbu innijiet għal-Liturġija tal-Knisja fuq stil klassiku.

Dan il-kors ta’ 3 workshops li l-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azopardi qed torganizza b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Pastoral Formation Institute jagħtik formazzjoni, spazju u ħin biex toħloq mużika ġdida għal testi ta’ kant liturġiku, fosthom dawk li jinħolqu fil-kors Ħarbex ir-Rima. It-tħarbix isir b’mod individwali kif ukoll fi gruppi żgħar, b’mumenti ta’ qsim bejn kulħadd. Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-workshops se jsiru nhar ta’ Sibt matul Mejju 2026 mit-8:30am sas-2:30pm, Is-Seminarju tal-Arċisqof

Aktar informazzjoni se tingħata aktar tard

Introjtu

Offertorji

Tqarbin

Dan il-kors għandu tip ta’ ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu għal tnejn mit-tlett lezzjonijiet li qed jiġu organizzati kif ukoll jikkomponi mużika liturġika.

Dan il-kors qed jiġu provdut mill-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi f’kollaborazzjoni tal-Istitut tal-Formazzjoni Pastorali.

L-applikanti għandhom ikollom bażi tajba tal-lingwa Maltija u ta’ teknika awdjo-viżiva.

Ħarbex ir-Rima

23/05/2025

Qatt ħsibt li d-don tiegħek tal-kitba u l-poeżija tista’ tħaddmu biex tħarbex lirika li tista’ titkanta fil-liturġija tal-Knisja? Qed noffrulek opportunità li dan twettqu fil-kors Ħarbex ir-Rima!

Dan huwa kors ta’ 3 workshops li l-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azopardi qed torganizza b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Pastoral Formation Institute għal dawk kollha li jixtiequ jħaddmu d-don tal-kitba u l-poeżija b’għan qaddis.

L-għan tal-kors hu li jispira il-ħolqien ta’ lirika ġdida bil-Malti xierqa għall-kant liturġiku, taħt gwida.

It-tħarbix se jsir b’mod individwali, kif ukoll ma’ ħaddieħor fi gruppi żgħar kif ukoll f’mumenti ta’ qsim bejn kulħadd. Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-workshops se jsiru nhar ta’ Sibt matul Frar 2026 mit-8:30am sas-2:30pm, Is-Seminarju tal-Arċisqof

Aktar informazzjoni se tingħata aktar tard

Introjtu

Offertorji

Tqarbin

Dan il-kors għandu tip ta’ ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu għal tnejn mit-tlett lezzjonijiet li qed jiġu organizzati kif ukoll jiktbu lirika ġdida għal mużika liturġika.

Dan il-kors qed jiġu provdut mill-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi f’kollaborazzjoni tal-Istitut tal-Formazzjoni Pastorali.

L-applikanti għandhom ikollom bażi tajba tal-lingwa Maltija.

Ħarbex 1

22/05/2025

Jekk qatt pruvajt tħarbex żewġ akkordji, xi melodija, jew xi biċċa lirika bil-Malti, dan huwa l-kors għalik!

Ħarbex 1 huwa kors ta’ 3 workshops li l-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azopardiqed torganizza b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Pastoral Formation Institute.

L-għan tal-kors hu li jservi ta’ gwida u ispirazzjoni sabiex tħaddem il-ħiliet mużikali u litterali li diġà hemm fik biex jinkitbu għanjiet ġodda għat-talba tal-quddiesa. Se jkollna ħin nesploraw kompożizzjoni ta’ innijiet liturġiċi ġodda fi stil Kristjan kontemporanju.

Ħinijiet ta’ inkontri ma’ xulxin mhumiex se jkunu neqsin, u xejn inqas ħinijiet allokati biex nibdew inħarbxu xi ħaġa wkoll, kemm b’mod individwali, kif ukoll ma’ ħaddieħor.

Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-workshops se jsiru nhar ta’ Sibt matul Jannar 2026 mit-8:30am sas-2:30pm, Is-Seminarju tal-Arċisqof

Aktar informazzjoni se tingħata aktar tard

Introjtu u akklamazzjonijiet tal-Evanġelju

Offertorji, akklamazzjonijiet tal-Konsagrazzjoni u t-talba tal-Missierna

Tqarbin, kant tal-għeluq u innijiet Marjani

Dan il-kors għandu tip ta’ ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu għal tnejn mit-tlett workshops li qed jiġu organizzati kif ukoll jikkomponu mużika u/jew jiktbu lirika ġdida.

Dan il-kors qed jiġu provdut mill-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi f’kollaborazzjoni tal-Istitut tal-Formazzjoni Pastorali.

L-applikanti għandhom ikollom bażi tajba tal-lingwa Maltija u ta’ teknika awdjo-viżiva.

Parish Volunteering

21/05/2025

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/.

This short course offers an engaging introduction to the mission and ministry of volunteering within a Catholic parish. It explores the spiritual foundations, practical responsibilities, and community impact of parish volunteering. Designed for new and prospective volunteers, the course provides an understanding of how their service contributes to the Church’s mission and offers guidance for serving effectively, faithfully, and joyfully.

New or prospective parish volunteers, both youth and adults

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

Date	Session
15th September 2025	Called to Serve – The Spiritual Heart of Volunteering
22nd September 2025	The Life of the Parish – Ministries and Mission
29th September 2025	Ethics, Boundaries, and Responsibility
6th October 2025	Building Community; Collaboration and finding your place
13th October 2025	Formation; Spiritual Growth and Next Steps

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from reflective journal.

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.

Second Vatican Council: Renewal, Revelation, and Relevance

21/05/2025

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/.

This course offers an engaging introduction to the Second Vatican Council, focusing on its historical context and transformative vision for the Church. Special attention is given to the four major constitutions and a thematic overview of the remaining documents. Participants will explore key teachings on revelation, liturgy, the Church, mission, and dialogue with the modern world—deepening their understanding of Vatican II’s call to renewal, evangelization, and active participation in the life of the Church.

This course is intended for adult Catholics, catechists, parish leaders, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the Church’s teachings and mission. It is particularly beneficial for those engaged in pastoral ministry, as well as educators and students within Catholic institutions who wish to gain a solid foundation in the core documents of the Second Vatican Council and their continued relevance today.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will be delivered entirely through a series of pre-recorded lectures accessible on our VLE platform at a time and place convenient for you after October 2025.

In these pre-recorded lectures, the following subjects will be covered:

Historical Overview & Purpose of Vatican II
Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation)
Sacrosanctum Concilium (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)
Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church)
Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World)
The Church’s Mission and Life: Decrees on Ministry and Evangelization
Dialogue with the Modern World: Religious Freedom, Unity, and Culture

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when watching all pre-recorded lectures and pass from short online multiple-choice exams.

2. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must watch all pre-recorded lectures, pass from short online multiple-choice exams and 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.

Catechetical Ministry for Children – Seminars

21/05/2025

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/.

This module serves as a valuable complement to Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry, offering participants a deeper exploration of four key themes, enriched with practical insights:

Understanding those whom we accompany
The digital era and catechesis: practical aspects
Sacred Scriptures
The moral and social teaching of the Church

While these themes are typically approached from a theoretical perspective in Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry, this module aims to bring them to life through practical application. Each theme is explored in dedicated seminars, where participants engage in discussions led by expert speakers. These sessions are designed not only to deepen understanding but also to equip catechists with effective methods for communicating these teachings to their learners.

By the end of the course, participants will have developed the confidence and independence to form a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the various dimensions that shape the identity of a catechetical minister within the Church.

Individuals who are either currently involved in or aspiring to be involved in catechetical ministry within the Church.
Individuals who are interested in deepening their understanding of catechesis and its practical application.

Target Audience Age: 18+

This course consists of four lectures once a month from January – May 2026 at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Date	Session
31st January 2026	L-Għarfien tal-persuni li se nakkumpanjaw Understanding those whom we accompany
28th February 2026	L-Era Diġitali u l-Katekeżi: Aspetti Prattiċi The Digital Era and Catechesis: Practical Aspects
25th April 2026	Il-Kotba Mqaddsa The Sacred Scriptures
23rd May 2026	It-Tagħlim Morali u Soċjali tal-Knisja The Moral and Social Teaching of the Church

This course has one exit certificate option:

Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours of this course.

Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Lifelong Catechesis

Qualifications

To apply for this course, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

Have completed both:
- Faith Foundations for Ministry, and
- Basic Themes for Catechetical Ministry,

Hold one of the following:
- an MQF/EQF Level 5 or higher qualification in Theology or Religious Studies,
- or a General Education Award in Evangelisation.

Exemptions

Applicants who have an MQF/EQF level 4 (or higher) in Theology or Religious Studies, or have a General Education Award in Evangelisation, will be exempted from 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.

Language competences

Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital competences

Applicants must be able to access the internet and use office suites.