Archives

14/06/2025 – Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

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
  • 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.

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

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

June 2025
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person14th June 2025
from 9:00am to 12:00pm
Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material15th – 29th June 2025Recorded videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam15th June 202529th June 2025
Reflective Journal14th June 2025 14th July 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.

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

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 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.

DateSession
14th July 2025Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
16th July 2025Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
21st July 2025Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
23rd July 2025Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
17th September 2025Seminar

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.

Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators 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. €119.00 will be refunded for this course).

This course provides foundational knowledge of frontier artificial intelligence technologies that will allow teachers and other community members to use and support the use of AI in educational applications in ways that are effective, safe, and ethical. The course will develop the skills necessary to support children in their interactions with AI. Graduates will be equipped to guide young learners through the ethical considerations, societal implications, and practical uses of AI, fostering informed and responsible engagement with these quickly evolving technologies.

The course focuses on the latest advancements in generative AI for text, images, video, music, and speech. Foundational topics include how AI works, how these models are trained, their capabilities, limitations, safety, ethics, and implications for society. Graduates will learn about the AI technology landscape, main AI companies, latest models, and differences between AI models. They will engage with these technologies and discuss case studies and research that illustrate capabilities, limitations, challenges, promise and pitfalls of AI.

Students will receive an introduction to prompt engineering, learn different ways of interacting with different AI technologies, and learn how AI can be used in applications, such as teaching, editing, programming, and general support for creative tasks. Graduates will also learn how different technologies can be used together.

By the end of the course, graduates will have a sufficient understanding of how these technologies work, current cutting-edge technologies available and on the horizon, different ways AI is being used in an educational setting and by young people, how they can support young learners in engaging with AI, and the considerations and importance when using AI in a way that is safe, ethical, and effective.

This course is delivered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with

London School of Artificial Intelligence.

Qualified educators and others interested in the subject.

Knowledge

  • Foundational AI Concepts: Understanding fundamental principles of AI, including development, training, and utilization across various domains (text, images, video, music, speech).
  • AI Technologies and Their Applications: In-depth knowledge of current AI technologies, prominent companies, latest models, and their applications in education.
  • Ethics and Safety in AI: Critical understanding of ethical considerations, including bias, privacy, transparency, and societal impacts.
  • AI’s Societal Implications: Exploration of AI’s broader societal implications, including disruptions to industries and ethical challenges.
  • Case Studies and Research in AI: Study of practical uses, limitations, and challenges of AI through case studies and current research.

Skills

  • AI Tool Use: Advanced skills in using various AI tools and technologies, including generative AI models.
  • Critical Analysis and Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of AI, and solve complex problems related to AI implementation.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication of complex AI concepts to diverse audiences and collaboration with peers and professionals.
  • Data Interpretation and Decision-Making: Ability to gather, interpret, and utilize data related to AI usage in education for informed decision-making.
  • Ethical Implementation and Reflection: Ethical use of AI, reflective practice, and continuous evaluation of AI’s impact on education.
  • Creative and Innovative Use of AI: Creativity in applying AI technologies to enhance educational practices and exploring synergies between different AI technologies.

Competencies

  • AI Knowledge Application and Problem-Solving: Application of advanced AI knowledge to address challenges in educational settings and develop innovative solutions.
  • Ethical and Responsible AI Management: Commitment to ethical principles in managing AI projects, evaluating social and ethical implications.
  • Leadership and Collaboration in AI Education: Leading teams in adopting AI technologies, providing guidance, and fostering collaboration.
  • Ongoing Professional Development in AI: Continuous engagement in professional development to stay updated with AI advancements.
  • Strategic Management and Implementation of AI in Education: Planning, managing, and executing AI-related projects, balancing technical capabilities with social and moral considerations.

The course will be held on the following dates from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (apart from the examination, which will be held at the times specified below) at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
Monday 12th May 2025The AI Landscape
Wednesday 14th May 2025Interacting with AI
Monday 19th May 2025Student Safety in Using AI
Wednesday 21st May 2025AI Ethics and Morality
Monday 26th May 2025Integration Strategy for AI in Education
Monday 9th June 2025
from 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Examination

This course has one exit certificate option: 

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours and successfully pass the examination and written assignment.

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

EQF/MQF Level: 7

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2

Contact Hours: 10

Self-Study Hours: 30

Assessment Hours: 10

Assessment Hours: Pastoral Formation Institute

This course is delivered by the Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with London School of Artificial Intelligence.

MQF

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Foundations of Artificial Intelligence: Fundamentals and Applications for Educators 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. €119.00 will be refunded for this course).

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a minimum of an MQF/EQF Level 6 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 be proficient in accessing and using the internet and office software suites.


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.

The Sacrament of Baptism

This course is aimed at parents who choose to baptize their child. They will be invited to follow this course from the comfort of their home. Firstly, they will learn about the theology of baptism and what baptism entails. They will then proceed to go through the rite of baptism, understanding its various moments so that during the celebration, they will have a deeper understanding of the process. Finally, these parents will be given suggestions on how to live out the baptismal promises within their family.

New parents

Target Audience Age: 18+

The course will be delivered online through a series of recorded videos accessible on our VLE platform.

SessionTheme
Session 1The Theology of Baptism – What is Baptism?
Session 2The Rite of Baptism
Session 3Living out the promises of Baptism

This course has one exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when watching all recorded lectures available on VLE platform.

Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Language: Applicants must be fluent in Maltese and have basic proficiency in English.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate, especially on how to access the internet and use office suites.

CPD – Course for Catechists on Christian Moral Formation

This CPD course is designed to equip catechists with a comprehensive understanding of moral formation, focusing on the psychological and spiritual development of children and pre-adolescents. Over five engaging sessions, participants will learn how to tailor catechetical formation to meet the unique needs of each child, respecting their gradual development. The course integrates insights from social sciences and the Catholic moral tradition, grounding the content in the Gospel and contextualizing it within the family, academic, and community environments where children live.

Catechists will develop a deeper understanding of the Commandments as expressions of God’s love and covenant, and learn effective pedagogical strategies for communicating these teachings to children and pre-adolescents. The course also provides tools to convey the significance of the Beatitudes, helping catechists inspire the younger generation. Additionally, the program explores the moral formation of children in discovering their personal vocation.

By the end of this course, catechists will be empowered to confidently guide children and pre-adolescents on their moral and spiritual journeys, laying a strong foundation for a life rooted in Christian values.

  • Catechists
  • Other persons interested in the subject, may also apply.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Lectures will be on Saturdays from 9:30am to 12:00pm

at Archbishops’ Curia Refectory

DateLecture Title
26/10/2024The Development of the Moral Formation of Children: A Psychological Perspective
25/01/2025The Formation of Moral Conscience in Children and Pre-Adolescents
22/02/2025The Decalogue
26/04/2025The Beatitudes
24/05/2025Accompanying Children and Adolescents in the Discovery of their Vocation
This course has two exit certificate options: 
  1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

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

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

Qualifications: Each application will be evaluated based on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute welcomes a diverse array of qualifications, aiming to assess applications primarily in terms of academic potential. We consider a broad spectrum of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, alongside relevant work experiences and skills.

Language: Applicants must be fluent in English and have basic proficiency in Maltese.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate, especially on how to access the internet and use office suites.

 

Preparing Catechists for the Christian Initiation of Adults

RCIA

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 is designed to prepare committed Catholics to serve as catechists, guiding individuals on their journey toward full membership in the Catholic Church. Participants will learn how to accompany and support those discerning whether to join the Church, as well as newly baptized Catholics in their first months of initiation. The course will cover the key stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), from initial inquiry to the period of Mystagogy, ensuring catechists are equipped to share the teachings of the Church with clarity, compassion, and faithfulness.

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+

Module 1 – Introduction to Basic Themes in Theology

This module will be offered entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Module 2 – Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation

These sessions will be held from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

These sessions will be held at Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta.

DateSession
8th January 2025The Initiation in the Early Church
15th January 2025The Development of the Rite/Order of the Christian Initiation of Adults
22nd January 2025Catechising During the Pre-Catechumenate Phase
And “Identity of the Catechist”
29th January 2025Catechising During the Catechumenate and the Enlightenment Phases
And “Methodology in Catechesis”
5th February 2025Catechising During Mystagogy
And “The Liturgy as a Mystagogical Journey”

Module 3: Practicum

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.

This course has one exit certificate option:

1. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when students attend 80% of course contact hours and successfully complete and pass from all assessments, which are:

(i) a short online assessment

and,

(ii) a written assignment / 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.

Language: Applicants must be fluent in English and have basic proficiency in Maltese.

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate, especially on how to access the internet and use office suites.

(Part 2) Introduction to Catechetical Ministry for Children

catechist

This is part 2 of 2 of Introduction to Catechetical Ministry for Children

One must complete part 1 before applying for this part 2.

This blended course is designed to form and support catechists who seek to deepen their understanding of the fundamental tenets of the Catholic Faith in preparation for their service towards their parish. By the end of the course, participants will be familiar with the core theological concepts that underpin catechetical ministry and will be equipped with essential practical skills for effective service in this ministry.

Catechists who teach children and adolescents.

Target Audience Age: 18+
Module 3 – Catechetical Ministry for Children

These sessions will be held from 9:30am – 12:00pm

These sessions will be held at Archbishops’ Curia, Floriana

DateSession
1st February 2025Getting to Know Who We Are Accompanying
8th March 2025Catechesis in The Digital Era: Practical Aspects
12th April 2025Sacred Scripture
10th May 2025The Moral and Social Teaching of the Church
Module 4 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

This module delves into the essential principles of safeguarding, focusing on creating safe environments for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. By the module’s conclusion, students will be well-versed in safeguarding policies, understand the core principles underlying safeguarding, and recognize various types of abuse along with their signs and symptoms. They will also learn how to handle disclosures of abuse, maintain professional boundaries, identify poor practices, and comprehend their legal obligations under the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019).

This module will be offered in-person from February 2025.

This module can be applied for and completed on its own. If you wish to take this module separately from Introduction to Catechetical Ministry, please apply here: https://pfi.edu.mt/course/safeguarding/.

This course has two exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Participation 
  • attend all in-person seminars;
  • pass short multiple-choice online exams, where applicable

2. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students need to: 

  • attend all in-person seminars;
  • pass the short multiple-choice online exams, where applicable
  • and successfully complete a written assignment, where applicable

Final Awards: Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults

Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Lifelong Catechesis, and Safeguarding Commission

Complete part 1 of 2 of Introduction to Catechetical Ministry.

Digital competences:

Applicants are required to have basic computer literacy, mainly how to access and use an internet browser and use a word processor

Language competences:

The student is required to have at least primary school level of Maltese and English.

Exemptions

Applicants who have an Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults are exempt from Module 4 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.

(Part 1) Introduction to Catechetical Ministry for Children

catechist

This is part 1 of 2 of Introduction to Catechetical Ministry for Children

This blended course is designed to form and support catechists who seek to deepen their understanding of the fundamental tenets of the Catholic Faith in preparation for their service towards their parish. By the end of the course, participants will be familiar with the core theological concepts that underpin catechetical ministry and will be equipped with essential practical skills for effective service in this ministry.

Catechists who teach children and adolescents.

Target Audience Age: 18+
Module 1 – Faith Foundations for Ministry

This module provides a basic introduction to Christian theology. Participants will explore fundamental scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical theological concepts that guide the evangelising mission of the Church. By the end of the module, learners will be familiar with the sources of theology and will gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.

This module will be offered entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and on your own schedule.

This module can be applied for and completed on its own. If you wish to take this module separately from Introduction to Catechetical Ministry, please apply here: https://pfi.edu.mt/course/faith-foundation/.

Module 2 – Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children

This module will enable participants to construct a holistic vision of catechetical ministry, one that responds to contemporary needs, through the exploration of various areas of knowledge and skills essential for the formation of catechetical ministers. These areas include the theoretical and practical aspects of basic catechetical principles, catechetical methodology including lesson planning, exploration of relevant social sciences, and addressing the needs of children with diverse social and/or psychological needs.

This module will be offered entirely online, allowing you to complete it at your own pace and on your own schedule.

This module can be applied for and completed on its own. If you wish to take this module separately from Introduction to Catechetical Ministry, please apply here: https://pfi.edu.mt/course/basic-themes-catechetical-ministry/.

This course has two exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Participation 
  • view all recorded lectures;
  • pass short multiple-choice online exams, where applicable

2. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students need to: 

  • view all recorded lectures;
  • pass the short multiple-choice online exams, where applicable
  • and successfully complete a written assignment, where applicable

Final Awards: Faith Foundations in Ministry and Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry

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

Digital competences:

Applicants are required to have basic computer literacy, mainly how to access and use an internet browser and use a word processor

Language competences:

The student is required to have at least primary school level of Maltese and English.

Exemptions

Applicants who have an MQF/EQF level 4 (or higher) in Theology or Religious Studies, or have a General Education Award in Evangelisation, will be exempted from Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to [email protected] upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.

Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry

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 presents a holistic understanding of catechetical ministry that responds to contemporary needs. Throughout the course, we’ll explore a diverse range of topics essential for shaping proficient catechetical ministers. From delving into foundational theories to mastering practical methodologies, participants will gain insights into basic catechetical principles, effective lesson planning, and leveraging social sciences to meet the diverse needs of children.

By the end of the course, participants will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to develop a thorough and holistic view of the different aspects that form the core identity of the catechetical minister in the Church.

  • Individuals who are either currently involved in or aspiring to be involved in catechetical ministry within the Church.
  • Individuals who are interested in deepening their understanding of catechesis and its practical application.
Target Audience Age: 18+

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

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

  • Values as a Catechist
  • Identity of Catechesis
  • The Catechist and the Role in the Church
  • Jesus the Master
  • The 5 Aims of Catechesis
  • Catechesis Languages
  • Catechesis and Liturgy
  • The Catechists’ Spirituality
  • Catechesis for Children and Teenagers with Various Conditions
  • Christian Initiation and Catechesis for Adults
  • Catechetical Meetings and Resources

This course has one exit certificate option: 

  1. Certificate of Participation 
  • View all pre-recorded lectures
  • Pass from short online multiple-choice exams

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

Digital competences:

Applicants are required to have basic computer literacy, mainly how to access and use an internet browser and use a word processor

Language competences:

The student is required to be fluent in Maltese and English.

Exemptions

Applicants must have an MQF/EQF level 5 (or higher) qualification in Theology or Religious Studies, or a General Education Award in Evangelisation, or have completed Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry to apply for this course. Applicants are required to upload a copy of their qualification in the application form below. A formal email will be sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.

Introduction to AI in Pastoral Settings: Tools and Practices

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 aims to equip individuals working in pastoral contexts with the knowledge and skills needed to utilize AI tools effectively. Designed for those with little to no prior knowledge of AI, the course provides a basic understanding of AI systems, their potential applications, and best practices for implementation in pastoral work. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of how AI tools and systems function, an awareness of the positive and negative aspects of such tools, and an understanding of the Church’s position on AI. They will also develop the ability to critically assess which contexts might benefit from introducing AI tools and which would not, as well as gain awareness of some AI tools that might prove useful in pastoral work.

  • Pastoral Workers
  • Priests
  • Religious

And other individuals interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

DateSession
1st March 2025What is AI? What is the Church’s position on AI?
8th March 2025Helpful AI tools and how to make use of them

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.