Archives

Journey with the Psalms

14/05/2025

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 invites participants to explore the timeless wisdom of the Book of Psalms as a guide for spiritual depth and reflection throughout life’s journey.  As such, the programme delves into the Psalter as the Bible’s prayer book (cf. CCC 2587). Through prayer and personal reflection, participants are encouraged to internalise this knowledge, deepening their spiritual understanding of the Psalms and their relevance to both the joys and challenges of life.

  • Pastoral Workers involved in general ministry.
  • Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of prayer.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The dates will be announced later

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Introduction to the Book of Psalms
Psalms of Wonder and Trust
Psalms of Seeking and Calling
Psalms of Ascent and Descent – Perseverance in the journey
Psalms of Thanksgiving and Wisdom
Psalms of Trust and Hope

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance 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 the 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.

Ignatian Rules of Spiritual Discernment

14/05/2025

“Discernment” has become a buzzword in contemporary Church circles, thanks to late Pope Francis’ frequent invitations to undertaking discerning processes.

The influence of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (founder of the Jesuit order) is clear: indeed, some of the more famous and more frequently quoted parts of this classic Christian work are in fact the “Rules for Discernment of Spirits”. Centuries of Church experience have proven these rules to be a solid foundation for proceeding in a journey of discernment with greater security and depth.

By attending this course, students will become familiar with the Rules for Discernment of Spirits outlined by St. Ignatius in his Exercises: their content, their timing within the dynamic of the Spiritual Exercises, their continuing validity and correct implementation in today’s world. Enriched by this knowledge, students will then also explore Ignatius’ proposals for how to pray about fundamental life choices.

  • Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God
  • Individuals with at least some experience of spiritual direction or of spiritual discernment

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DateSession
1st October 2025What are the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola?
8th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Consolation
15th October 2025Rules regarding Spiritual Desolation
22nd October 2025Going deeper
29th October 2025Making life choices

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam 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.

Growing in the Franciscan Way

13/05/2025   Various

This course offers a deepening exploration of Franciscan spirituality through key themes and figures that shaped the Franciscan movement. Building on the foundations of St Francis’ life and teachings, participants will engage with the spiritual journeys of St Clare and the 2nd Order, the emergence of the 3rd Order, and the lived experience of Franciscan values in contemporary life. Special focus will be given to Francis’ relationship with the Eucharist, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, while also reflecting on how the Franciscan vision continues to inspire efforts toward justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable. The course will highlight the relevance of the Franciscan charism as a model for renewal in the Church today.

This course is designed for Franciscan Collaborators and individuals interested to explore and deepen their knowledge in Franciscan Spirituality.

Target Audience Age: 18+

October 2025

Date and TimeSessionVenue
11th October
9:30am – 12:30pm		Clare and the Monastic Life
(the 2nd Order)		St. Clare’s Monastery
San Gwann
14th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The 3rd Order and the
Secular Franciscan Order		ĊAK, Birkirkara
21th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Rules of St. Clare
and the 3rd Order		ĊAK, Birkirkara
28th October
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Inspiration of Saint Francis;
a model for the Church		ĊAK, Birkirkara

November 2025

4th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The Franciscan ideal for more just
social systems		ĊAK, Birkirkara
8th November
9:30am – 12:30pm		SeminarConvent of the Capuchins,
Kalkara
11th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Social Communication and the
Franciscan Spirituality		ĊAK, Birkirkara
18th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		St Francis and the EucharistĊAK, Birkirkara
25th November
6:00pm – 8:00pm		The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of
Saint Francis		ĊAK, Birkirkara

December 2025

2nd December
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Saint Francis and the
Blessed Virgin Mary		ĊAK, Birkirkara
9th December
6:00pm – 8:00pm		Important figures inspired
by Saint Francis		ĊAK, Birkirkara

January 2026

17th January
9am – 12:30pm		Closing SeminarBurmarrad Parish House

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and a presentation.

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.

Walking with the Bereaved

12/05/2025

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 introductory course is designed for pastoral workers and lay people who assist the funeral arrangements and preparations within the parish together with individuals who offer support to mourning individuals. The course aims to equip participants with essential training and awareness to provide compassionate and emotionally sensitive support to grieving individuals.

This course is designed for pastoral workers who assist with funeral arrangements and preparations within the parish and other lay people who support mourning individuals.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DateSession
6th October 2025Understanding Grief and Bereavement
13th October 2025Types of Grief with Biblical Examples
20th October 2025The Role of the Pastoral Workers in Grief Support
27th October 2025Supporting Grieving Families and Communities
10th November 2025Walking with the Bereaved Beyond the Funeral
17th November 2025Long-Term Bereavement Care and Self-Care for Pastors

This course has three exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hour and pass from a short multiple-choice exam and an 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.

20/10/2025 – Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

07/04/2025
Safeguarding Others
MQF

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:

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

  • Employees who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Employees who handle children and vulnerable adults` data
  • Volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults
  • Volunteers who handle children and vulnerable adults` data.
CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE/SCA4-23Blended Learning1 ECTS

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

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
  2. 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.

October 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person20th October 2025
from 5.30pm to 8.30pm		Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material21st October – 4th November 2025Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam21st October 20254th November 2025
Reflective Journal20th October 2025 20th November 2025

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. 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.
  1. 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)

  1. 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

MQF

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.

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.

Masterclass 4 – Technique of Choral Singing (for adult voices)

27/03/2025   Archbishop's Seminary

This masterclass offers basic and more advanced vocal technique required from a chorister involved in the field of sacred and liturgical music.  

Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

This course is intended for choristers and choir masters involved in the field of sacred and liturgical choral music. Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

This masterclass will be delivered by Prof. Catharina Scharp (AERCO Academy Bologna, freelance voice teacher) on 11th October 2025 as follows:

9:00am – 12:00pm – Session 1

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch Break*

1:30pm – 4:30pm – Session 2

*If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

All participants in this course will receive a certificate of attendance (AFF Level 3) issued by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Music Francesco Azopardi and AERCO Academy (Bologna).

If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

Masterclass 3 – Introduction to Sacred Polyphony

27/03/2025   Archbishop's Seminary

This masterclass offers an overview of the history of sacred polyphony, the development of mensural notation, imitation and independence of voices, the interpretation of texts, the role of polyphony within the Catholic liturgy, and the influence of the great masters of polyphony (such as Palestrina, de Victoria…) on church music, and interpretation of polyphonic music (involves the active participation of attendees).

Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

This course is intended for choristers, choir masters, and anyone who is interested in the sacred polyphony music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset for the practical session of the masterclass.

This masterclass will be delivered by Prof. Andrea Angelini (AERCO Academy Bologna, Professor of Choral Conducting at Venezia State Conservatory ‘Benedetto Marcello’) on 27th September 2025 as follows:

9:00am – 12:00pm – Session 1

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch Break*

1:30pm – 4:30pm – Session 2

*If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

All participants in this course will receive a certificate of attendance (AFF Level 3) issued by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Music Francesco Azopardi and AERCO Academy (Bologna).

If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

Masterclass 2 – Conducting for Maestri di Cappella

27/03/2025   Archbishop's Seminary

This masterclass shall offer a technical insight in the art of conducting, focusing on the technical aspects of conducting (orchestras, choirs, and soloists), rehearsal techniques, and achieving the best results particularly in the context of church music during Maltese festas. Participants will be working with a live orchestra on repertoire that is typical of local festa liturgical music.

Advanced musical knowledge (at least diploma level) is required. Please submit a copy of your highest musical qualification with your application form below.

This course is intended for conductors who are already involved or would like to be involved as Maestro di Cappella in local parishes.

Advanced musical knowledge (at least diploma level) is required. Please submit a copy of your highest musical qualification with your application form below.

This masterclass will be delivered by Prof. Juan Jose Navarro (University of Almeria) on 28th June 2025 as follows:

9:00am – 12:00pm – Session 1

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch Break*

1:30pm – 4:30pm – Session 2

*If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

All participants in this course will receive a certificate of attendance (AFF Level 3) issued by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Music Francesco Azopardi.

If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

Masterclass 1 – Introduction to Gregorian Chant

26/03/2025   Archbishop's Seminary

This masterclass offers an overview of the history and development of Gregorian Chant, an introduction to notation and the interpretation of neumes, the church modes, the different types of chants used in the Catholic liturgy (psalms, hymns, masses), and the role of Gregorian chant within the Catholic liturgy.

Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

Choristers, choir masters, and anyone who is interested in the ancient sacred artform of Gregorian Chant. Basic musical knowledge would be considered an asset but not mandatory.

This masterclass will be delivered by Prof. Luca Buzzavi (AERCO Academy Bologna, Professor of Choral Conducting at Monopoli State Conservatory ‘N. Rota’) on 24th May 2025 as follows:

9:00am – 12:00pm – Session 1

12:00pm – 1:30pm – Lunch Break*

1:30pm – 4:30pm – Session 2

*If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

All participants in this course will receive a certificate of attendance (AFF Level 3) issued by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with the Academy of Sacred Music Francesco Azopardi and AERCO Academy (Bologna).

If you have any food allergies/intolerances, kindly send us an email on [email protected].

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults – Santa Venera (MT)

24/03/2025   Santa Venera Parish
Safeguarding Others
MQF

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:

  1. familiarise themselves with safeguarding policies
  2. understand the legal obligations with child abuse
  3. identify signs and symptoms of abuse
  4. know the disclosures of abuse
  5. identify the principles of safeguarding
  6. practice professional boundaries
  7. know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
  8. learn about the different types of abuse and poor practice
  9. learn a standard response to a disclosure of abuse
  10. be able to recognise signs of abuse
  11. identify the actions to take if you have a concern and who can help

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

Santa Venera parishioners who work with children and vulnerable adults and handle their data.

CodeMode of DeliveryValue
PFE/SCA4-23Blended Learning1 ECTS

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

  1. 3 hours – In person session (Face-to-Face Learning)
  2. 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.

May/June 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person31st May 2025
from 9:00am – 12:00pm		Santa Venera Parish
Recorded Material1st June – 15th June 2025Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam1st June 202515th June 2025
Reflective Journal1st June 20251st July 2025

This course has one exit certificate option: 

  1. Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who;

  • attend in-person session and watch all recorded videos
  • complete and pass short multiple-choice online exam
  • submit a written assessment

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

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

MQF

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.

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.