Children & Youth – Pastoral Formation Institute

Preparing a Formative Path for Young People in Organised Ministry

27/08/2025 Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta

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/.

A thriving youth ministry requires intentional planning and a deep understanding of the young people it serves. This course explores the importance of a structured framework in ensuring spiritual growth, engagement, and formation throughout the year. Participants will learn how to assess their youth groups’ unique needs, integrate liturgical and formative elements, and create sessions that resonate with their social and spiritual contexts. The role of discernment in ministry will also be addressed, equipping leaders with tools to seek God’s guidance in their planning. Through hands-on activities, youth leaders will develop a comprehensive, adaptable ministry plan aligned with parish life. Peer discussions and feedback from facilitators will refine these plans, fostering collaboration and shared leadership. By the end of the course, participants will leave with practical strategies to build a dynamic and purposeful youth ministry that nurtures lasting faith formation.

Youth leaders

Target Audience Age: 18+

TBA

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 / when viewing all the videos of this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully complete a reflective journal.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly in the use of office suites and of the internet, to both of which they must have access.

Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools

05/08/2025

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Postgraduate Certificate in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 7, 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. €595.00 will be refunded for this course).

Schools provide a holistic environment that fosters the pursuit of truth, the development of healthy critical thinking, and the creation of spaces where individuals of diverse faiths can question, reflect, pray, and build communities of mutual acceptance. In this challenging yet enriching context, the balance of faith and reason, supported by pastoral and biblical theology, offers a solid foundation for School Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy.

Moreover, Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in schools serve as bridges connecting faith with culture, and spirituality with the technocratic realm of contemporary society. The promotion of this mindset and its practical application are strengthened by empowering school leadership and pedagogy to embrace and uphold essential values, particularly Gospel values, which are crucial in our empirically driven, digitally oriented society.

This will be achieved through:

A deeper introduction to and study of the bridge between faith and reason, biblical and pastoral theology (Modules 1 and 2).
An in-depth understanding of the role of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in a pluralistic school environment through multiculturalism, inter-religious dialogue, and engagement with the technocratic realm (Module 3).
Insights from Pastoral Theology on building communion between human beings and with God (Module 3).
An appreciation for the need for spiritual accompaniment and the stages of spiritual development in young people, youth, and adults (Module 4).
The development of practical methods for designing, leading, and evaluating liturgical and religious activities (Module 4).
Professional ministry that enriches the school ethos, leadership, and pedagogy with values that enable transformative experiences, thus inviting course participants to evaluate and integrate the vision and values proclaimed (Module 5).

This course is open to all eligible individuals involved in the educational sector or with an expressed interest in working in this area.

Lectures will take place on Wednesdays, starting from 30 September 2026, from 3:30pm to 6:30pm at the Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre in Mosta.

You can access the full course calendar via the following link:

https://pfi.edu.mt/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Pastoral-Care-Level-7-Timetable.pdf

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE7001	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	6 ECTS

Through this module participants will be able to explore the important logical and authoritative relationship between faith, revelation and reason all of which are the principal sources of Catholic living.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE7002	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	6 ECTS

Through this module participants will be able to: Explore the application of Biblical theology within the framework of school pastoral care and within the School Chaplaincy setting. It aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of how Biblical Narratives can inform and enhance pastoral care practices within educational settings. The module covers theological concepts, pastoral strategies and practical skills necessary for effective chaplaincy work in schools, focusing on the psychological, emotional, spiritual, and ethical development of students.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE7003	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	6 ECTS

Our increasingly multicultural society and schools often lead to cultural misunderstandings and xenophobic sentiments due to a lack of knowledge. Schools, as microcosms of society, introduce students to diverse backgrounds, and educators in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy have an ethical duty to create an inclusive environment that respects and values every individual, celebrates diversity, and fosters unity.

The rise in multiculturalism in schools presents a new challenge for educators, necessitating better preparation to fulfil their transformative role in society and reach out to all students, regardless of their creed, culture, or nationality. This module aims to inform and equip educators to create inclusive school environments that respect all students’ diverse backgrounds. Participants in this module will gain an understanding of how technology influences young people’s psychological and spiritual self-perception, interactions, and worldview. They will examine the impact of technological advancements, such as digital communication, social media, gamified environments, AI, and augmented realities, on youth. By analysing these trends, educators will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that technology presents for young people. The module will also teach participants to critically analyse technology’s effects on culture, particularly youth culture, through the media ecology school and explore the technocratic paradigm’s impact on science, faith, and society using the theory of planned behaviour.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE7004	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	6 ECTS

Living and mentoring through the right knowledge and skills the school ethos is a crucial aspect of school life for the benefit of the whole school community. The ethos gives the community the impetus it needs to promote a positive character formation. Within the framework of schools, the inspirational shepherding figure of Christ enables the school community to recognize each person’s unique gifts and encourages their personal development. The full collaboration and cooperation between the school community and the various interdisciplinary teams amongst them the School Pastoral Care, are necessary transformative mediums for the students’ holistic character development and formation as they can grow into principled, responsible individuals.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE7005	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

The seminar (weekend-based) at the beginning of the course is crucial, because, participants are introduced to each other, the topics chosen, revolve mainly around the need to be aware of oneself holistically within the venture of School Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy, the need of self-care, the need to equip oneself well with resilience, the importance of keeping the goals of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy as the centre and sustenance of the whole mission in the school context.

Code	Mode of Delivery	Value
PFE7006	In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)	3 ECTS

The spiritual reflection day (based on a weekend) is a valuable opportunity for all participants to get in touch with the sacred within them, to evaluate their consciousness of their impact within the mission of School Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy through the use of various evaluation resources, and to share with the rest of the group their spiritual experiences.

This course has one exit certificate option:

Certificate of Achievement

To receive a Certificate of Achievement, the student must:

Attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course.
Complete and pass assessments for all modules.

LO1 – Competence

At the end of the course, participants will: • Critically engage with and articulate the ethical and philosophical dimensions of values upheld by Christian educators and students, as well as those from diverse belief systems or secular perspectives. Participants will develop a nuanced understanding of pluralism and cultivate dispositions of empathy, respect, and inclusivity, essential for fostering constructive dialogue and ethical conduct within contemporary, post-Christian educational contexts. • Demonstrate the capacity to communicate theological insights and embody the presence of the living God through interpretive engagement with Biblical narratives. This will support inclusive spiritual formation and affirm the inherent dignity of all individuals, irrespective of belief, gender, cultural background, or sexual orientation. • Confidently facilitate spiritual accompaniment for educators and students across a spectrum of faith traditions and secular worldviews. This will be achieved through the integration of theoretical knowledge, practical competencies, experiential learning, and collaborative reflection. • Apply advanced pedagogical strategies to integrate digital technologies in a discerning and ethically responsible manner. This will enhance their effectiveness in evangelization, educational leadership, and interpersonal engagement, particularly in relation to the evolving needs and characteristics of Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

LO2 – Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to: – Critically define and evaluate the concept of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy within educational settings, articulating its significance and multifaceted role in contemporary schooling. – Analyse the interplay between faith and reason, and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of biblical and pastoral theology as foundational frameworks for spiritual and educational engagement. – Interpret and contextualize selected theological texts—including Scripture, Church teachings, and writings of the early Church Fathers—regarding the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the universal communion of humanity. – Demonstrate an informed understanding of strategies for cultivating inclusive communities that embrace cultural and religious diversity within educational environments. – Evaluate the principles and practices of value-based leadership, ethos, and pedagogy, and their impact on school culture and student development. – Critically assess the challenges and opportunities of living in a technocratic society, and propose balanced approaches to integrating technology with spirituality and authentic human experience. – Articulate a developmental understanding of spirituality across life stages—children (4–10 years), adolescents (11–16 years), and adults (18+)—and its implications for pastoral care and educational practice. – Design and implement enriched religious and liturgical experiences using creative artistic expressions, media, and digital technologies, tailored to the spiritual and developmental needs of children, youth, and adults within the context of school-based pastoral care and chaplaincy. – Compare and critique various leadership models relevant to Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools, identifying their theoretical foundations and practical applications.

LO3 – Skill

Critically evaluate and facilitate meaningful dialogue between diverse faith traditions and cultural contexts within the framework of Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools, promoting mutual understanding, inclusive spiritual engagement, and ethical responsiveness. • Illustrate the integrative vision offered by faith and reason, alongside Biblical and Pastoral Theology, in shaping both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of school-based pastoral care. • Articulate and respond to the complexities of multiculturalism, inter-religious dialogue, and the digital realities of contemporary society, demonstrating theological insight and pastoral sensitivity. • Develop and apply advanced communication and dialogue skills tailored to spiritual activities with youth (11–16 years) and adults (18+), while employing age-appropriate strategies for engaging with children (4–10 years). These skills will be deepened through the cultivation of spiritual accompaniment practices. • Appraise and integrate diverse artistic expressions, media, and digital technologies in the design and facilitation of religious and liturgical celebrations, ensuring relevance, creativity, and accessibility across age groups. To support these outcomes, learners will cultivate a range of advanced professional and reflective competencies, including: • Reflective skills – enabling deep personal and professional introspection, fostering spiritual discernment and ethical awareness. • Analytical, critical, and synthetic thinking – to assess complex pastoral scenarios, integrate theological and educational insights, and formulate coherent, context-sensitive responses. • Leadership and collaborative skills – to promote inclusive, value-driven school cultures and lead initiatives that support spiritual and emotional well-being. • Interpersonal and listening skills – to build trust, offer compassionate support, and respond empathetically to the diverse needs of students and staff. • Planning and implementation skills – to design, execute, and evaluate effective pastoral programmes and chaplaincy activities within educational settings.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly in the use of office suites and of the internet, to both of which they must have access.

Previous courses / training:

– Minimum Level 6 or equivalent as determined by the Course Director Or

Students who have fully completed and passed the Award in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy in Schools (MQF Level 6) and expressed interest in Pastoral Care in Schools.

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, see Identity Malta’s VISA requirements for third-country nationals.

CPD – Il-katekeżi għat-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilità

29/07/2025 Ta' Mlit

Il-kors huwa maħsub biex joffri formazzjoni bażika lill-katekisti li fil-ministeru tagħhom, iservu lit-tfal u pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilita’. L-ewwelnett, permezz tal-kors, il-katekisti għandhom jakkwistaw għarfien bażiku tar-realtajiet differenti li jikkaratterizzaw diżabilitajiet diversi. Ma’ dan, il-katekisti jakkwistaw ukoll għarfien dwar kif huma għandhom jirrelataw ma’ dawn il-persuni u kif għandhom ikunu wkoll ta’ appoġġ għall-familji tagħhom. Dan huwa pass essenzjali biex il-ħidma kateketika fil-qasam, tgħin lil dawn it-tfal jagħmlu esperjenza ta’ fidi fi ħdan il-komunita’ ekkleżjali.

Dan ma’ jistax isir jekk ma jinkisibx għarfien rigward il-metodi u r-riżorsi addattati għall-ħidma kateketika ma’ dawn it-tfal u l-familji tagħhom. Il-kors għandu wkoll jiżgura li l-katekisti ikunu aktar sensibbli għall-bżonnijiet ta’ dawn il-persuni fejn tidħol l-animazzjoni tat-talb u ċ-ċelebrazzjoni tas-sagramenti.

Fl-aħħarnett, il-kors għandu jinkoraġġixxi, isaħħaħ u jifrex dejjem aktar il-prattiċi tajbin li sa issa diġa qegħdin jiġu mħaddma fil-ħidma kateketika madwar id-djoċesi.

Katekisti u persuni oħra interessati fis-suġġett.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Il-kors ser isir is-Sibt mid-9:30am sa’ 12:00pm Ta’ Mlit.

Data	Sessjoni
25 ta’ Ottubru 2025	L-għarfien tal-esperjenza tad-diżabilità fit-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti
10 ta’ Jannar 2026	Kif nirrelataw mat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’ diżabilità u kif insostnu lill-familji tagħhom
21 ta’ Frar 2026	L-edukazzjoni u l-animazzjoni tat-talb u l-liturġija għat-tfal u l-pre-adolexxenti b’diżabilità
18 ta’ April 2026	Riżorsi u Metodi fil-preparazzjoni għas-Sagramenti għat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’diżabilità
9 ta’ Mejju 2026	Good practices fil-parroċċi fil-qasam tal-katekeżi mat-tfal u l-pre-adoloxxenti b’diżabilità

Dan il-kors għandu żewġ għażliet ta’ ċertifikati:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza

Sabiex tikseb Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu 80% tas-sessjonijiet tal-kors.

2. Ċertifikat ta’ Parteċipazzjoni

L-istudent jirċievi Ċertifikat ta’ Parteċipazzjoni meta (minbarra li jissodisfa l-kriterji ta’ attendenza ta’ hawn fuq) itemm b’suċċess valutazzjoni qasira online.

Lingwa: L-applikanti għandhom ikollom fehma tal-Malti u jkunu fluwenti fl-Ingliż.

Teknoloġija diġitali: L-applikanti huma meħtieġa li jkunu fluwenti fl-użu tad-dinja diġitali, inkluż li jkunu jafu kif jaċċessaw l-internet u jużaw office suites bħal Microsoft Word.

Practice in Liturgical Music Animation

26/05/2025

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 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 Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The Archbishop’s Seminary, Rabat

Date	Session
Monday 6th October 2025	Practical musical animation for the mass 1
Monday 20th October 2025	Practical musical animation for the mass 2
Monday 27th October 2025	Practical musical animation for the mass 3
Monday 03th November 2025	Practical assembly conducting 1
Monday 10th November 2025	Practical assembly conducting 2
Monday 17th November 2025	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.

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. Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom.

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 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 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.

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

07/04/2025

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 4, as a Higher Education Programme.

The short course – Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults will assist staff and volunteers in recognising the key principles of safeguarding and in creating a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Employees and volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults and handling their data.

October – November 2026

Lecturing Period

Mode of Delivery	Date & Time	Venue
In-person	17th October 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm	Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material	17th – 31st October 2026	Recorded videos will be accessible online via our Moodle VLE platform

Assessment Period

Assessment	Available From	Due by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam	17th October 2026	31st October 2026
Reflective Journal	17th October 2026	17th November 2026

LO1 – Competence

By the end of the programme, the learner will have acquired a good enough combination of the below mentioned skills and knowledge, so much so that s/he will be competent enough to provide an emotionally, mentally and spiritually safe working environment for children and/or vulnerable adults; can recognise and deal with different signs of abuse; can comply with national laws, policies and procedures concerning safeguarding and can refer and collaborate with professionals in the field to ensure that the person in question is not being abused.

LO2 – Knowledge

By the end of the programme, the learner will be able to: a) identify the principles of safeguarding; b) familiarise himself/herself with safeguarding policies; c) identify signs and symptoms of different types of abuse; d) know the disclosures of abuse; e) know the legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors; (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minor Protection (Alternative Care) Act (2019).

LO3 – Skill

By the end of the programme, the learner will be able to: a) practice the principles of safeguarding; b) practice professional boundaries; c) use a standard response to a disclosure of abuse; d) be able to recognise signs and symptoms of different types of abuse; e) identify the actions to take if you have a concern and also identify who can help;

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who:

attend the in‑person session,
watch all the recorded material, and
do not submit any course assessments.

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be rewarded to students who:

attend the in‑person session,
watch all the recorded material, and
submit and pass a short online multiple‑choice examination

Certificate of Achievement

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

attending the in‑person lecture and completing all online videos,
submit and pass a short online multiple‑choice examination
submit and pass a short reflective journal.

Students who obtain the Certificate of Achievement will also receive an MFHEA‑recognised certificate and transcript at MQF Level 4 (1 ECTS credit).

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

Awarding Body: Pastoral Formation Institute

There are no qualifications required for this course. The only requisites are:

Language competences: The student is required to have an end of primary school level of understanding of Maltese and English.

Digital competences: The student is required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use a word processor.

This course is mandatory requirement for all staff and volunteers working for the Church in Malta and part of the Safeguarding Clearance Certificate.

Creative Ministry for Christian Outreach – Puppeteering, Storytelling, Scripting, and Science Experiments

21/03/2025

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/.

The starting date was changed to 5th January 2026.

This interactive in-person course is designed to equip participants with creative tools to engage and inspire audiences through puppeteering, storytelling, scripting, and science experiments. Rooted in Christian principles, the course integrates hands-on learning to help participants effectively share biblical messages and Christian values in dynamic and memorable ways. Each lecture provides a practical and immersive experience that fosters creativity, communication skills, and spiritual growth.

• Sunday school teachers / catechists.

• Youth group leaders.

• Christian educators and parents.

• Anyone interested in creative ministry tools.

This course consists of four lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00pm till 8:00pm and a concluding seminar from 5:00pm till 8:00pm at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Date	Session
5th January 2026	Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
7th January 2026	Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
19th January 2026	Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
21st January 2026	Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
11th March 2026	Seminar

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 of this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully completed the presentation and submitted a brief summary of the main points covered.

Language: Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English.

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

Living Beyond Sunday

09/05/2024

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/.

NEW DATES AND FORMAT. SCROLL DOWN TO LEARN MORE.

Our relationship with God is not supposed to stay within the walls of our parish church when we leave after Sunday Mass. Instead, ‘the mass is ended go in the peace’ is an exhortation so that what we received during mass transform our hearts, our families, our homes, and our schools into a welcoming place to encounter Christ until we gather again the following Sunday to be strengthened and sent forth once again.

In this new course Living Beyond Sunday, we aim to share ideas to help parents and all those working with children make their time together a place of encounter with God–a place where saints are being made; it shares how to foster holiness in all the little everyday moments in Catholic life starting from the spiritual pedagogy and moving on to giving practical ways to celebrate this based on the premise that with little attempts, creativity, effort, and adaptations, it is possible to make that which we live during liturgy appealing, meaningful and have a powerful impact on the children.

Pastoral workers helping in children’s ministry, chaplaincy teams in schools, parents, catechists, leaders of family groups and those interested in the subject.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will take place on Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:30pm

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Dates	Session
25th October 2025	Introduction: Children’s Spirituality and their relationship with God Introduction to the Liturgy & Liturgical Year Fundamentals of Liturgy Preparation
22nd November 2025	Advent and Christmas Ordinary time & Saints
7th February 2025	Lent and Easter Triduum Easter Ordinary Time and Celebrating Saints

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificates 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

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course and pass from the hands-on project.

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.

Award in Creating & Animating Prayer Spaces

21/11/2023

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Creating & Animating Prayer Spaces is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5, as a Higher Education Programme.

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 Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:30pm

Date	Session
7th November 2026	Introduction to Prayer
14th November 2026	The Values of Prayer Spaces
21st November 2026	The Purpose of Prayer Spaces and a Theology of Prayer Spaces
28th November 2026	Preparing for the Setting of Prayer Spaces & Running a Prayer Space and Follow-up
5th December 2026	Creating Prayer Activities + Recruiting and Training a Prayer Space Team

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

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.

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. Kindly submit a copy of your highest qualification in the application form below.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

Introduction to Youth Ministry

25/10/2023

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 will serve as an introduction and foundation for youth ministry. Youth ministers, youth leaders and animators will reflect on who they are, their journey of faith and the call of being a youth minister/youth leader/animator in today’s society. This will involve a discussion on ‘tools’ that believers should have to live faith.

Serving youth ministers/youth leaders/animators
Youth aspiring to become youth ministers/youth leaders/animators

Target Audience Age: 16+

TBA

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of contact hours for this course and successfully complete and pass written assessment.

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use office suite software.