Family – 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

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	Building Community and Collaboration
6th October 2025	Ethics, Boundaries, and Responsibility
13th October 2025	Finding Your Place – Gifts, Discernment, and Next Steps

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

Digital: Applicants must be digitally literate particularly, in use of office suites and internet access.

Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching

16/05/2025 8

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 five-session course offers an introduction to the key principles of the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church. Participants will explore fundamental concepts such as the Common Good, solidarity, the universal destination of goods, participation, and subsidiarity. The course encourages reflection on these pillars, emphasizing their connection to virtues and the bond of love within the Church. Discussions will also address individual rights and responsibilities, both on a personal level and within broader societal contexts. Participants will be challenged to consider how the Social Teachings of the Church can inform and shape their daily lives, fostering a deeper commitment to social justice.

Anyone with an interest in Catholic Social Teaching and its application in everyday life.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Date	Session
5th November 2025	Introduction
12th November 2025	Solidarity, the Common Good and the Destination of Goods
19th November 2025	Participation & Solidarity
26th November 2025	The Virtues
3rd December 2025	Rights and Responsibilities

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.

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.

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 Time	Session	Venue
11th October 9:30am – 12:30pm	Clare and the Monastic Life (the 2^nd Order)	St. Clare’s Monastery San Gwann
14th October 6:00pm – 8:00pm	The 3^rd Order and the Secular Franciscan Order	ĊAK, Birkirkara
21th October 6:00pm – 8:00pm	The Rules of St. Clare and the 3^rd 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	Seminar	Convent 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 Eucharist	ĊAK, 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 Seminar

Burmarrad 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.

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

07/04/2025

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

This short course will assist employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults or handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The intended learning outcomes:

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

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

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

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.

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

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

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

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

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

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

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

October 2025

Lecturing Period

Mode of Delivery	Date & Time	Venue
In-person	20th October 2025 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm	Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Recorded Material	21st October – 4th November 2025	Recorded videos on the VLE platform

Assessment Period:

Assessment	Available From	Due by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam	21st October 2025	4th November 2025
Reflective Journal	20th October 2025	20th November 2025

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

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

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

Certificate of Participation

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

Certificate of Achievement

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

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

Click here to view the PFI’s Grading System

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

EQF/MQF Level: Level 4

Accreditation Category: Further Education Programme

Total ECTS: 1 ECTS

Teaching Institutions: Safeguarding Commission together with Pastoral Formation Institute

Award Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

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

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

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

21/03/2025

Please note: The course starting on Monday, 14th July 2025 is now fully booked. New course dates for the upcoming academic year will begin on Monday, 19th January 2026. You can apply directly from this page

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.

Date	Session
19th January 2026	Puppeteering for Christian Ministry
21st January 2026	Storytelling with a Christian Perspective
26th January 2026	Scripting for Faith-Based Performances
28th January 2026	Science Experiments as Biblical Illustrations
TBA	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/.

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 Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

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

Dates	Session
8th October 2025	Introduction: Children’s Spirituality and their relationship with God
15th October 2025	Introduction to the Liturgy & Liturgical Year Fundamentals of Liturgy Preparation
22nd October 2025	Advent and Christmas Ordinary Time
29th October 2025	Lent and Easter Triduum
5th November 2025	Easter Ordinary Time and Celebrating Saints
12nd November 2025	Seminar – Sharing Good Practice*

*Participation in the seminar, is required to be in person.

This course has three 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 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 Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course, pass from short multiple-choice exam and 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-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Creating and Animating Prayer Spaces is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5, as a Higher Education Programme.

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

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

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

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

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

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

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

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

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

Participants will learn how to initiate prayer spaces.

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

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

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

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

Date	Session
17th November 2025	Introduction to Prayer
19th November 2025	The Values of Prayer Spaces
24th November 2025	The Purpose of Prayer Spaces and Prayer Spaces Theology
26th November 2025	Preparing for the Setting of Prayer Spaces
1st December 2025	Creating Prayer Activities
3rd December 2025	Recruiting and Training a Prayer Space Team, Running a Prayer Space and Follow-up

Certification: 

This course has three exit certificate options:

Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours.

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must attend at least 80% of the course’s contact hours and pass from short multiple-choice exam.

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

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

EQF/MQF Level: Level 5

Accreditation Category: Higher Education Programme

Total ECTS: 2 ECTS

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Qualifications: Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to judge applications on the basis of academic potential. We do consider a very wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications, as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills. 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.