PFI Courses – Page 2 – Pastoral Formation Institute

Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for Healthcare Workers

07/02/2024 Little Sisters of the Poor, Ħamrun

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Spiritual Dimension in Elderly Care for Healthcare Workers is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5, as Further Education Programme.

Spirituality plays a crucial role in holistic care, yet it is often overlooked. This course addresses the challenges in conceptualizing spirituality and offers clarity on its integration into elderly care. Participants will explore the meaning of spirituality and gain competence in spiritual practice. The course covers attitudes towards spirituality, assessment of patients’ spiritual needs, and factors affecting its integration into nursing care. Practical guidance is provided to equip healthcare workers with skills to incorporate spirituality into their practice effectively.

Carers in residential care facilities for the elderly.

This course consists of 11 sessions: 10 lectures and an examination session.

Session 1: Defining Spirituality and Spiritual Care in Healthcare – Competencies in Spiritual Care

Spirituality and spiritual care in healthcare encompass how patients and healthcare professionals seek and express meaning, purpose, connection, value, or transcendence within the context of illness and health. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that spirituality is associated with improved health outcomes, patient satisfaction, medical decision-making, and quality of life. This session will introduce various definitions of spirituality and spiritual care, along with the multidimensional spiritual field.

Session 2: Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Spirituality

Intrapersonal Spirituality addresses personal spirituality, emphasizing that healthcare workers must nurture their own spirituality to provide effective spiritual care. Students will explore the significance of self-reflection and self-awareness in personal and professional growth. Interpersonal Spirituality focuses on building relationships through effective communication skills, recognizing individuals’ unique spiritual and cultural worldviews, fostering companionship, and delivering compassionate care.

Session 3: Spiritual Assessment and Evaluation of Care

This session introduces learners to formal and informal approaches for assessing patients’ spiritual needs, planning interventions based on available resources, and evaluating whether patients’ needs have been met.

Session 4: Loss, Grief, and Compassion in the Elderly

Learners will explore the inevitable experience of grief and loss, as well as feelings of isolation in the elderly. Understanding the grief process, as described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, will enable healthcare workers to prevent spiritual distress and provide compassionate care to the elderly.

Session 5: Spiritual Care in Elderly Rehabilitation

This session focuses on addressing the spiritual needs of elderly individuals undergoing rehabilitation. It explores strategies for promoting creativity and addressing feelings of suffering and solitude.

Session 6: Spiritual Care and Mental Health

Learners will gain insights into various mental health issues affecting the elderly and acquire skills to manage and provide care for elderly individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Session 7: Spiritual Care in Dementia

This session provides information on dementia in the elderly and equips learners with skills to manage care in this context, as well as supporting families to better understand and cope with the situation.

Session 8: The Role of Religion in Spiritual Care for the Elderly

This session highlights the integral role of religiosity in spiritual care.

Session 9: The Sacraments in Different Religions and Spirituality

Learners will explore religious practices across various denominations present in our society.

Session 10: Case Scenarios in the Spiritual Dimension of Elderly Care

This session presents case scenarios to assess and evaluate learners’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired during the program, preparing them for application in elderly care settings.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

The course will be held on Tuesday from 9:30am – 11:30am at Little Sisters of the Poor, Ħamrun

Date	Session
9th April 2024	Defining ‘Spirituality’ and ‘Spiritual Care’ in Healthcare Competencies in spiritual care
16th April 2024	Interpersonal and intrapersonal spirituality
23rd April 2024	Spiritual assessment and evaluation of care
30th April 2024	Loss, grief and compassion in the elderly
7th May 2024	Spiritual care in the rehabilitation of the elderly
14th May 2024	Spiritual care in dementia
21st May 2024	Spiritual care and mental health
28th May 2024	The role of religion in spiritual care for the elderly
4th June 2024	Case scenarios in the spiritual dimension of elderly care
11th June 2024	The sacraments in different religions and spirituality
25th June 2024	Examination*

*Examination session will take place from 9:30am – 10:30am

This course has one exit certificate option:

Certificate of Achievement

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

attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours
complete and pass from short multiple-choice online exam

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 4 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a minimum of an MQF/EQF Level 4 or higher qualification. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.

Language: Applicants must have a basic understanding of Maltese and be proficient in English.

Digital: Applicants must know how to access and use the internet.

For courses offered in face-to-face learning and blended learning, applicants must reside in the Maltese Islands and provide their Maltese address in their application form.

For further information regarding visa requirements, please refer to Identity Malta’s visa requirements for third-country nationals.

Introduction to Basic Theological Terms in Catholic Tradition

31/01/2024

Introduction to basic theological terms in the Catholic tradition

This course offers an introduction to key themes of the main areas of Catholic theology. These include fundamental, scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical concepts that guide the evangelizing mission of the Church. By the end of the course, the attendee will become aware of what the sources of theology are and gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Catholic theology.

Postulants and members of the EOHSJ

Target Audience`s Age: 25+

The course will be delivered through recorded sessions accessible on our Moodle platform from the below dates

Date	Session
4th March 2024	What is Faith? What is the Church?
11th March 2024	The Main Sources (Revelation, Faith, Anthropology)
18th March 2024	Introduction to Holy Scriptures
25th March 2024	Introduction to Fundamental Moral Theology
8th April 2024	Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
15th April 2024	Prayer & Liturgy: Living an Authentic Christian Life

This course has two exit certificate options:

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to students that watch all the recordings and pass from short multiple-choice online exam.

Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students that watch all the recordings, pass from short multiple-choice online exam and written assignment.

Applicants must be either accepted for Postulant Year or be a member of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Pastoral Supervision – Its Contribution to a Safer Church: A Maltese Perspective

24/01/2024 Capuchins Convent, Bishop F.X. Fenech Street, Floriana FRN 1211

Provincials and vicars of religious orders

The seminar will take place on Monday 19th February 2024 from 9:00am – 12:00pm

Time	Session
9:00am – 10:00am	Introduction Diocesan Priesthood & Religious Life in Malta Pastoral Supervision and Safeguarding
10:00am – 10:30am	Break
10:30am – 12:00pm	The Role of the Priest & Religious in Tomorrow’s Church Discussion/group work Conclusion

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended the seminar.

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Introduction to Parish Ministry: Għaxaq Parish

18/01/2024 Ħal Għaxaq

“If the parish proves capable of self-renewal and constant adaptivity, it continues to be ‘the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters”
Pope Francis.

Throughout this course, participants will explore the parish as a significant symbol of God’s presence in our community. The course will start by delving into the contemporary reality of today’s parish. Participants will then proceed to learn about the different roles within the Church; identifying the decision-making bodies of the Church and different ministries in a parish, highlighting the importance of everyone’s participation. This will include a discussion on effective teamwork and service to others. Attendees will then be introduced to the principles of communal discernment, examining its definition, tools, and practical applications. The course will conclude by presenting a model of communal discernment, elucidating the different roles within it, and outlining the composition of discerning groups.

Specifically tailored for those actively involved in parish ministry, the course seeks to inspire a deeper commitment to the renewal of parishes, aligning them as vibrant evangelizing entities in today’s society, guided by recent teachings on parish life.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 57% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi.

Pastoral Workers, especially those involved in decision-making bodies.
Individuals interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 19+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Dates	Session
6th April 2024	– Today’s Parish – What is a Parish? – The different roles in the Church & Ministries in a Parish
20th April 2024	Executive and decision-making bodies in a Parish
4th May 2024	What is communal discernment? What are the tools used?
18th May 2024	A discerning method

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificates 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 attending a minimum 80% of all contact hours for this course and passing from short multiple-choice online exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement
The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when:

attending a minimum 80% of all contact hours
passing short multiple-choice online exams and written assessment

Language: Applicants are required to have an understanding of Maltese and be fluent in English.
Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate especially, in office suites.

Sports as a Means for Holistic Development

18/01/2024 Catholic Institute, Floriana

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Sports as a Means for Holistic Development is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

This module aims to reveal the natural values that are inherent in play/sports and how these values serve one’s personal development. The aim is to help Christians learn how to integrate their lives (especially in relation to sports) in a way that their core Christian values are lived out authentically and to the full.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Youth leaders interested in Sports/Physical Activity,
Sports persons (coaches, athletes, club admin. members) interested in Sports Ministry,
School chaplains, PE teachers, and Teachers interested in both areas (sports & spirituality).

Target Audience Age: 18+

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE5002	– Practicum sessions – Weekly Lectures	2 ECTS

Lecturers: Rev Bernard Micallef

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time

Session	Dates	Times	Venue
Thursdays	18.01.2024 – 29.02.2024	18:00 – 20:00	Catholic Institute, Floriana

Assessment: Activity Observation 40% & Written Activity Report 60%

Assessment Explanation: To engage with a Christian-based organisation and devise either a plan of how a specific sports-based programme could be set up in their respective organisation or focus on one specific event/activity that can be held within the remit of the organisation. Eg. Lenten sessions using sports etc.

Final Award: Award in Sports Ministry

Duration: 7 lectures, part-time including:

Contact hours – 10 hours
Supervised Placement and Practice Hours – 7 hours
Self-Study Hours – 23 hours
Assessment Hours – 10 hours

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

*_{To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and successfully pass the assignment}

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Award

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Introduction to Sports Ministry is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5.

Applicants must be in possession of:

Proficient in English
Minimum Level: O level or equivalent
Expressed interest in Evangelisation and Sport
Participants must present POMA certification and clean police conduct.

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.

Introduction to Mariology

15/01/2024 Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta

This course aims to provide theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church. The sessions will start by analysing the portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Holy Scriptures and Marian devotion in the early Church. The course will explore the development of the Marian dogmas and the devotion to Mary in the Eastern traditions. The course will also treat the way Mary as Mother of the Church is presented in Vatican Council II and the subsequent Mariological documents by the Popes in the last fifty years. The sessions will proceed to focus on the beautiful rendering of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Art and the manifold references to the Mother of God in Maltese poetry. In conclusion, the course will reflect on Mary as one of the most important figures in Christianity as a role model for all women.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 15% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

All who wish to enrich their theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church.

Target Audience`s Age: 18+

Session Format

This course will be delivered over 15 lectures, each lecture covering a different aspect of Mariology. The themes which will be covered are:

The portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Old Testament
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Gospel of John
The Blessed Virgin Mary and the early Church Fathers
The four Marian dogmas
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Oriental traditions (Catholics and Orthodox)
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Liturgy
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Second Vatican Council
The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Papal Magisterium of the last sixty years
Marian Spirituality
Portrayals of the Virgin Mary in Films
Marian Art in foreign countries
Marian Art in Malta
The Blessed Virgin Mary in Maltese poetry
The Blessed Virgin Mary and woman in the Church

Please note that these themes will not necessarily be delivered in this particular order.

Session Format

Lectures will be on Mondays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 15th January 2024

Month	Days
January	15th, 22nd & 29th
February	5th, 19th & 26th
March	4th, 11th & 18th
April	8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
May	6th & 13th

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course`s contact hours.

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria* and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice tests.

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 tests (mentioned in point 2),
and also submit a written assessment.

Final Award: Certificate in Introduction to Mariology

Teaching & Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Five months part-time course

_{_{* Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.}}

Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to evaluate 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.

Accompanying Persons Towards Christian Initiation

15/01/2024

The main objective of this course is to form persons, who are committed Catholics, to provide individual accompaniment to persons who are on a journey to join the Catholic Church and those who would be in their first months as baptised Catholics. Typically, these persons would act as sponsors as understood in the Rite (Order) of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), starting from assisting the enquirers in their process of discerning whether to become members of the Church and accompanying them all the way to Mystagogy.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 50% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

This course is intended for committed Catholics who would like to share their experience of what it means to be part of the Church with persons who are in a process of discernment about whether to become Catholics. Ideally, these persons would be active in a particular parish where the persons that they would be accompanying could become eventually rooted following their baptism.

This course does not entitle the student to become an accompanying person for Catechumens. The accompanying persons are appointed by the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Team in collaboration with the Parish Priest/Chaplain of the respective community.

Target audience: 25+

Code	Mode of Delivery
ICM4001	Asynchronous

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 become aware of what the sources of theology and gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.

Code	Mode of Delivery
ACI4001	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)

In this module, students will explore the below themes (in bold):

The Initiation in the Early Church (sources: Didache’, the Traditio Apostolica, the Apostolic Constitutions and Egeria’s Diary)

Initiation rites have developed very early in the Christian Church. This was definitely influenced by contemporary culture and religions. The persecution which continually ensued against the Christians in the Roman Empire also necessitated that those who wanted to become Christians had the appropriate characteristics and their motivations were tested before they were admitted to the community of believers. Various documents, which date back to the first centuries of the Church provide us with significant information about Christian Initiation in the Early Church.

The development of the Rite/Order of the Christian Initiation of Adults (Vatican II and afterwards)

During the years preceding the convocation of the Second Vatican Council there was a particular movement in the Church to restructure the catechumenate for adult persons who wanted to become Catholic in such a way that it was modelled on the Christian Initiation in the Early Church. The efforts of this movement were promoted by the Second Vatican Council’s general orientation towards updating the Church (aggiornamento) by going to its roots (ressourcement).

Principles of Spiritual Accompaniment

Accompanying a person who is on the journey towards becoming a member of the Catholic Church is one of spiritual nature. Therefore, it is essential to provide a short exposition of the fundamental principles of spiritual accompaniment.

The role of the sponsor through the RCIA process

The sponsor needs to assume various roles throughout the RCIA process, depending on the stage the candidates are in and according to their personal needs. During these sessions, the various roles which a sponsor would be expected to play during this process are identified and discussed. Moreover, since candidates would be coming from a diversity of cultural backgrounds, an appreciation of such diversity and its impact will also be provided.

Code	Mode of Delivery
ACI4002	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)

Those who successfully finish Module 2 – Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation may apply for this module which will consist in a 20 hour supervised accompaniment of a person going through the RCIA process, whilst being supported by other persons such as the parish priest and the catechists who will be providing catechesis to the person concerned, often in a group context.

Calendar for Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation

Sessions will be held on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Date	Session
15th January 2024	Session 1: The Initiation in the Early Church (sources: Didache’, the Traditio Apostolica, Apostolic Constitutions and Egeria’s Diary)
22nd January 2024	Session 2: The Development of the Rite/Order of the Christian Initiation of Adults (Vatican II and afterwards)
29th January 2024	Session 3: Principles of Spiritual Accompaniment (1)
5th February 2024	Session 4: Principles of Spiritual Accompaniment (2)
12th February 2024	Session 5: The Role of the Sponsor Through the RCIA process

Calendar dates for Module 3: Accompaniment Placement will be made available to eligible students closer to starting date of module.

Unless deemed exempt by the institute, students will start this course from Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry. Upon completion of this module:

A Certificate of Participation in Faith Foundations for Ministry will be awarded to students that have attended all contact hours of Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry and pass associated short multiple-choice exam.
A Certificate of Achievement in Faith Foundations for Ministry will be awarded to students that have attended all contact hours of Module 1: Faith Foundation for Ministry, pass from associated short multiple-choice exam and written assignment.

Those that were required to complete Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry will be eligible to continue course upon successful completion of said module i.e., through obtaining one of the above certificates. Those that were exempt from doing Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry will start directly from Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation.

Upon completion Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation and Module 3: Accompaniment Placement a Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students:

that have attended all contact hours (of both modules)
that pass from interview subjected in Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation
that pass from Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation written assignment
that pass from Module 3: Accompaniment Placement reflective journal.

Enrolment for this course necessitates a recommendation from the Parish Priest/Chaplain of the relevant community, a requirement that is subsequently verified by PFI.

Applicants who are in possession of an MQF/EQF Level 4 or higher qualification in Religious Studies and/or Theology and/or have successfully completed the Higher Education Award in Theology offered by PFI are exempted from Module 1 Faith Foundation for Ministry. A formal email is sent to applicants once Parish Priest recommendation and highest qualification is verified.

If applicants do not possess the required qualifications, they must follow the Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry course for free which must be successfully completed before starting Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation.

An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

10/01/2024 Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta

The course aims to provide theological knowledge regarding the Catholic belief in the Holy Spirit as it developed throughout the centuries and lived in various aspects of ecclesial life. The course starts by analysing scripture references to the Holy Spirit and explores the development of the theology of the Holy Spirit from the Church Fathers to contemporary theology. The course also illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit in liturgy, ecclesial life and communal discernment, and concludes by analysing how the Holy Spirit is expressed in art.

People who wish to enrich their spirituality by learning more about the third person of the Holy Trinity.

Target Audience`s Age: 18+

This course delves into four main areas:

The Holy Spirit in Scriptures
Patristic and Dogmatic Theology of the Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit in Liturgy
Manifestation of the Holy Spirit

Session Format

Lectures will be on Wednesdays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 10th January 2024

Month	Days
January	10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st
February	7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
March	6th, 13th & 20th
April	10th, 17th & 24th
May	8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
June	5th

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course`s contact hours.

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who meet the attendance criteria* and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice tests.

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 tests (mentioned in point 2),
and also submit a written assessment of at least 1000-1500 words.

Final Award: Certificate in An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Four months part-time course

_{_{* Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.}}

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.

Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools

16/12/2023 The Archbishop`s Curia

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 6, as a Higher Education Programme.

Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools is being considered a bridge between faith(s) and culture(s) in the contemporary context. People involved in this mission are to be well prepared in order to be effective instruments of sharing the joy of the Gospel and Gospel values within schools in the current pluralistic society.

Course Aim:

This course gives participants the knowledge and practical skills needed to enhance effective Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools. The course assists participants to build a range of skills necessary for this ministry: reflective, analytical, critical and synthetic, leadership, collaborative, interpersonal, listening, planning, and implementation.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

This course is open to all people involved in the educational sector or with an expressed interest to work in this area.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6017	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

In this module, participants will be introduced to the concept of Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in schools and prepare them for this mission. Participants will get the opportunity to discuss and learn how pastoral care/ chaplaincy can be a means to facilitate dialogue between faith(s) and culture(s) in our contemporary pluralistic society. In this module, we will articulate how to nurture a wholesome attitude towards life, different religions and cultures, and the whole of creation, founded on Gospel values and the teachings of the Church.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6019	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

This module offers the participants the opportunity to examine the richness and the challenges of a multicultural and multifaith environment within the school community in the context of Pastoral Theology.

In the context of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy, Pastoral Theology enables the people involved in this ministry to nurture in their life and in the life of the whole school community the truth that;

“[t]he nature of the reign of God is the communion of all human beings between themselves and with God”
( Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio)

This theme will be discussed through selected Scriptural texts and texts from the teachings of the Church and early Church Fathers.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6018	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

By the end of this module, participants will be able to identify various ways of fostering a relationship with the Transcendent/God through different methods of Prayer. Participants will be able to become more familiar with :

the meaning of spirituality,
the spiritual development of the young (4-10 yrs.), youth (11-16yrs.), and adults (18+), keeping in mind contemporary culture/s.
how to plan and conduct various spiritual encounters and activities with the young (4-10yrs), youth (11-16yrs) and adults (18+).

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6020	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

The aim of this module is to enable participants to build resources to design and enrich liturgical and religious celebrations/activities in schools through exploring and adapting artistic expressions, media, and IT resources in the context of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
THM6021	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	5 ECTS

This module is divided into three parts;

Part One: One-day seminar – This seminar will enable participants to relate various leadership models and collaboration strategies to Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools.

Part Two: Half-day spiritual retreat: where participants will have time to reflect on their own spiritual journey in the light of selected Biblical texts and spiritual literature.

Part Three: Online reading: Four papers are going to be presented as online reading. These papers are related to all the modules and will enable participants to reflect on the different ways that Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy is expressed around the world. Participants will be asked to critically analyze and review these articles and use them to evaluate national experiences.

Mode of Attendance: Part-Time

Session Format

Twenty-eight lectures on Thursday between 15:30-17:45 (60 hours). This time period was specifically chosen to assist our participants in achieving a better family-work/study-balanced life.
One day-seminar on Saturday 16th December 2023, between 8:30 – 14:30 ( 6 hours )
Morning Retreat (5 hours)
Online learning (12 hours)

THM6021: Internalizing and Evaluating various perspectives of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools. – Part 1

Date	Time	Venue
16th December	8:30 – 14:30	Archbishop`s Seminary, Rabat

THM6017: Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools: Promoting Human Dignity and Gospel Values in Contemporary Cultures.

Date	Time	Venue
11th, 18th, & 25th January	15:30 – 17:45	Catholic Institute
1st, 15th, 22nd, & 29th February	15:30 – 17:45	Catholic Institute

Carnival Recess – Thursday 8^th – Tuesday 12^th February 2024

THM6019: Nurturing Spirituality through Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in Schools

Date	Time	Venue
7th, 14th, & 21st March	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
18th & 25th April	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
2nd May	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute

Easter Recess: Monday 25^th March – Sunday 7^th April 2024

THM6018: Pastoral Theology in relation to Pastoral Care / Chaplaincy in Schools

Date	Time	Venue
9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th May	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
6th, 13thy & 20th June	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute

THM6020: Practical ways of Enriching Liturgical Celebrations and Religious Activities in Schools.

Date	Time	Venue
26th September	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st October	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute
7th November	15:30-17:45	Catholic Institute

THM6021: Internalizing and Evaluating various perspectives of Pastoral Care/Chaplaincy in Schools. Part 2

Date	Time	Venue
22nd June	8:30 – 12:30	Archbishop`s Seminary, Rabat

Assessment: Written assignments. Each assignment will be handed-in for every module

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

Final Award: Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools

EQF/MQF Level: Level 6

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 17 ECTS

Duration: 1 year part-time (84 hours)

Certification: A sealed Certificate together with a Certificate supplement after successful* completion of the course

_{* To obtain a Certificate of Achievement a student must; Attend a minimum of 80% of each module and Pass successfully the assignment}

Every application will be considered on its individual merits* and includes:

Full qualification at MQF Level 4 (A Level / Intermediate) or equivalent
Proficient in English and/or Maltese language
Basic digital competencies (able to do research)
Expressed interest in Pastoral Care and/or chaplaincy in state or non-state schools.

*The applicant will be refunded if not eligible for the course.

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.

Award in Creating & Animating Prayer Spaces

21/11/2023

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Creating and Animating Prayer Spaces is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5, as a Higher Education Programme.

Students who successfully complete this course may apply for the Get Qualified Scheme which will enable them to benefit from a tax credit of 70% of the costs incurred (i.e. €87.50 will be refunded for this course).

This course offers participants a comprehensive understanding of establishing and managing prayer spaces within diverse settings. Through theoretical insights and practical training, participants will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to create and oversee prayer spaces effectively. Additionally, the course provides a transformative journey for participants, fostering deeper connections with themselves, others, the world, and the divine through engaging with prayer spaces. Participants will learn to accompany others on their spiritual journeys, facilitating exploration of faith, spirituality, and life’s fundamental questions in a supportive and interactive environment.

Emphasizing the shift from mere functionality to a more meaningful existence, the course encourages participants to appreciate and reflect upon relationships, recognizing the profound impact of mindful engagement. Whether in educational institutions, community centres, workplaces, or outdoor settings, participants will explore the versatility of prayer spaces, understanding their potential to enrich lives and foster spiritual growth.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Define what a prayer space is;
Identify different age groups of children and young people attending the prayer space;
Communicate in different ways with children, young people, or adults according to their age, culture, and language during a prayer space;
Identify suitable interested members of the staff/personnel who are willing to form a team to prepare and animate prayer spaces in their respective schools;
Draw up a plan for planning, preparing, setting up, and running prayer spaces;
Report what educators and students said after they have experienced prayer spaces for themselves;
Evaluate what went well, identify difficulties and challenges in setting a prayer space;
Understand that at the most basic level, prayer spaces give students a way to reflect and develop reflective thinking skills in terms of the four key relationships: the self, others, the world, and God;
Make a connection between prayer spaces and other subjects

Reflect personally on a prayer space;
Plan a prayer space;
Prepare for the setting of prayer spaces;
Create simple and clear instruction cards, and prepare the resources related to the prayer space;
Set up the physical prayer space in any given space and/or venue.
Demonstrate a welcoming attitude to all children and young people of all faith and none who will be experiencing a prayer space;
Lead the children and young people to the safe, hands-on, creative prayer space and, when necessary, animate the prayer spaces;
Show a sense of accompaniment and being there for the person;
Operate with other members of staff who wish to give a helping hand before, during, and after the setting of a prayer space activity;
Recruit and train a prayer space team;
Run a Prayer Space;
Do a follow-up of a prayer spaces session.

This course is targeted at all those who wish to help children, young people, and adults grow in their prayer life, namely:

Educators,
Catechists,
Youth workers,
Youth leaders,
Youth ministers,
Religious counsellors,
Chaplains and lay chaplains,
Priests and religious.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to engage with prayer spaces first-hand.

Participants will be introduced to the concepts of prayer, spirituality, and religion. Participants will also become aware of the differences between superficiality and meaning-making, focusing on being, and the development of symbolic language.

Participants will explore the significance of prayer spaces, which embody spiritual, reflective, inclusive, professional, and Christian values.

Participants will learn that prayer spaces help individuals reflect and develop reflective thinking skills, viewing this process in terms of four key relationships: the self, other people, the world, and the sacred/divine. They will also learn that spirituality is inherent in everyone, and that God, in various ways, interacts with and cares for each individual.

Participants will learn how to initiate prayer spaces.

Participants will learn how to select and develop prayer activities aimed at the self, others, the world, and God, incorporating a variety of learning styles, including writing, listening, observation, reading, and hands-on activities.

Participants will learn how to recruit and train an effective prayer space team. Participants will learn to select individuals who embody qualities such as prayerfulness, inclusivity, reflection, professionalism, and safety. Additionally, participants will discover techniques for establishing a welcoming prayer space accessible to all visitors. They will also gain insights into collecting feedback and producing follow-up reports.

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

This course will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Date	Session Title
18th November	Introduction to Prayer
20th November	The Values of Prayer Spaces
25th November	The Purpose of Prayer Spaces and Prayer Spaces Theology
27th November	Preparing for the setting of Prayer Spaces
2nd December	Creating Prayer Activities
4th December	Recruiting and training a prayer space team, running a Prayer Space and follow up

Certification: 

This course has three exit certificate options:

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 must attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours
pass from short multiple-choice online exam
pass from written assignment

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

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: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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