Archives

Il-Presepju: Sors ta’ Fidi

30/10/2025

F’dan l-Avvent, b’mod speċjali fil-ġranet tan-Novena tal-Milied, nesploraw l-ispiritwalità li iġib magħha it-tradizzjoni sabiħa tal-Presepju. Permezz ta’ għarfien skritturali, nkunu mistiedna nirriflettu fuq is-simboliżmu qawwi tal-Presepju. Se nagħmlu dan ukoll bl-għajnuna ta’ Admirabile Signum, Ittra Appostolika ta’ Papa Franġisku fejn proprju jirrifletti fuq il-Presepju. Għalhekk waqt li narmaw il-Presepju, ejja ninżlu iktar fil-fond fil-fidi personali, il-ferħ u t-tama li jġib miegħu t-twelid tal-Messija.

Għall-pubbliku ġenerali.

Target Audience Age: 18+


Dan il-kors jinkludi sessjonijiet irreġistrati minn qabel, li jistgħu jiġu aċċessati fuq il-pjattaforma Moodle f’ħin tajjeb għalik. Dawn se jkopru t-temi li ġejjin:

• L-Istennija
• Il-Presepju
• Elementi mix-xeni tan-Nativita
• Marija
• Ġużeppi
• Ġesù
• Il-Maġi

Dan il-kors għandu ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Attendenza, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jaraw is-sessjonijiet kollha.

2. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jaraw is-sessjonijiet kollha u jgħaddu minn eżami multiple-choice qasir. Dan isir fuq il-pjattaforma tal-Moodle tal-istitut.

Lingwa: L-istudenti jeħtieġ li jkunu jafu l-Malti.

Teknoloġija diġitali: L-applikanti huma meħtieġa li jkunu jafu kif jaċċessaw l-internet.

Walking Together in Lent: Pastoral Pathways to Renewal

27/10/2025

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 is designed for parish leaders seeking to deepen the spiritual and communal impact of Lent within their communities. Through four focused sessions, participants will explore creative and mission-driven pastoral initiatives rooted in prayer, reconciliation, service, and outreach. The course emphasizes practical planning, collaboration, and spiritual leadership to help parishes journey meaningfully through Lent and into Easter.

Pastoral Leaders

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

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

DateSession
26th January 2026Rediscovering the Lenten Journey – A Pastoral Vision
28th January 2026Lent as a Time for Healing and Reconciliation
2nd February 2026Pastoral Creativity – Initiatives for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
4th February 2026Sustaining the Spirit – From Lent to Easter and Beyond

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

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

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.

Catholic Pastoral Care in Elderly Homes and Hospitals

27/10/2025

This course equips pastoral workers, Eucharistic ministers, and volunteers with the practical skills and spiritual sensitivity needed for Catholic pastoral care in elderly homes. It emphasizes leading prayer moments, distributing Holy Communion, and visiting the elderly, including hospital settings and room-to-room ministry. Participants will develop a compassionate, Christ-centred approach rooted in Catholic teaching and pastoral practice.

• Volunteers in elderly homes
• Lay pastoral workers
• Parish volunteers
• Religious sisters or brothers serving in care homes
• Seminarians in pastoral formation

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.

DateSession
16th February 2026 Foundations of Catholic Pastoral Care
23rd February 2026Spiritual Needs of the Elderly and Hospital Patients
2nd March 2026Leading Moments of Prayer
9th March 2026Room-to-Room Visits and Hospital Ministry
16th March 2026Ministering Holy Communion
23rd March 2026Pastoral Challenges and Ethical Considerations

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 (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully complete a short online assessment.

3. Certificate of Achievement

The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when (in addition to meeting the attendance criteria above) they successfully complete all assessments, including a 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.

The Organ in the Liturgy – Stylistic Playing and Harmonization

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 explores stylistic approaches to organ playing from the Baroque to the Romantic periods, with a particular focus on liturgical application. Participants will learn the non-legato “ordinary” touch that was standard until the early 19th century, followed by the legato style that became prevalent thereafter. Practical sessions will include set pieces, appropriate registration techniques, and stylistic interpretation. The course also covers hymn harmonisation, training participants to add three lower parts to a melody. These skills support both liturgical responsibilities and the improvisational development of the church organist.

Organists and those interested to be, and choir leaders.

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DateSessionVenue
04th February 2026Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century – Part 1Archbishop’s Seminary
11th February 2026Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century – Part 2Archbishop’s Seminary
18th February 2026Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards – Part 1Archbishop’s Seminary
25th February 2026Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards – Part 2Archbishop’s Seminary
04th March 2026Harmonisation at the organ – Part 1Archbishop’s Seminary
11th March 2026Harmonisation at the organ – Part 2Archbishop’s Seminary

Session 1 and 2: Stylistic elements of organ playing up to early 19th century

Legato, or “ordinary” touch, was the standard technique for organ playing until the 19th century. Course participants will be guided in applying this touch with both hands and feet through the practice of selected pieces from the Baroque repertoire. The recommended registrations for these pieces will also be explained.

Session 3 and 4: Stylistic elements of organ playing up from late 19th century onwards

From the late 19th century, the legato touch became the standard approach in organ performance. Participants will learn how to apply this technique for both hands and feet by practising selected works from the Romantic period. Guidance will also be provided on appropriate registration choices for this style.

Session 5 and 6: Harmonisation at the organ

A key responsibility of a church organist is the ability to harmonise hymns at sight. In these sessions, participants will be taught how to harmonise a melody by adding three lower parts. In addition to their practical application in hymn playing, these skills will also support the development of improvisation techniques.

This course has three exit certificate options:

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

2. Certificate of Participation

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when sitting and successfully compete and pass the short multiple-choice questions online exam which will be available on the Moodle platform.

3. Certificate of Achievement
The student will receive a Certificate of Achievement when attending a minimum of 80% of all contact hours for this course, as well as after passing a short practical examination and viva session.

This course is delivered by the Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi in collaboration with the Pastoral Formation Institute.

Applicants must be proficient in both Maltese and English. They must also have a minimum of grade 6 standard in a keyboard instrument (piano or organ).

A copy of the certificate indicating achievement of minimum grade 6 standard must be uploaded in the application form below.

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

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

This course has three exit certificate options:

  1. Certificate of Attendance
    The student will receive a Certificate of Attendance when attending a minimum 80% of all contact hours for this course.
  2. Certificate of Participation
    The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when sitting and successfully compete and pass the short multiple-choice questions online exam which will be available on the Moodle platform.
  3. 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.

Ħarbex il-Melodija

23/05/2025

Ħarbex il-Melodija huwa opportunità għall-kompożituri u mużiċisti, li jixtiequ jħaddmu t-talenti tagħhom, sabiex jiktbu innijiet għal-Liturġija tal-Knisja fuq stil klassiku.

Dan il-kors ta’ 3 workshops li l-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azopardi qed torganizza b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Pastoral Formation Institute jagħtik formazzjoni, spazju u ħin biex toħloq mużika ġdida għal testi ta’ kant liturġiku, fosthom dawk li jinħolqu fil-kors Ħarbex ir-Rima. It-tħarbix isir b’mod individwali kif ukoll fi gruppi żgħar, b’mumenti ta’ qsim bejn kulħadd. Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-workshops se jsiru nhar ta’ Sibt mit-8:30am sas-2:30pm, Knisja tal-Erwieħ, Ħal Tarxien

2 ta’ Mejju 2026Introjtu
30 ta’ Mejju 2026Offertorji
20 ta’ Ġunju 2026Tqarbin

Dan il-kors għandu tip ta’ ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu għal tnejn mit-tlett lezzjonijiet li qed jiġu organizzati kif ukoll jikkomponi mużika liturġika.

Dan il-kors qed jiġu provdut mill-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi f’kollaborazzjoni tal-Istitut tal-Formazzjoni Pastorali.

L-applikanti għandhom ikollom bażi tajba tal-lingwa Maltija u ta’ teknika awdjo-viżiva.

 

Ħarbex ir-Rima

23/05/2025

Qatt ħsibt li d-don tiegħek tal-kitba u l-poeżija tista’ tħaddmu biex tħarbex lirika li tista’ titkanta fil-liturġija tal-Knisja? Qed noffrulek opportunità li dan twettqu fil-kors Ħarbex ir-Rima!

Dan huwa kors ta’ 3 workshops li l-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azopardi qed torganizza b’kollaborazzjoni mal-Pastoral Formation Institute għal dawk kollha li jixtiequ jħaddmu d-don tal-kitba u l-poeżija b’għan qaddis.

L-għan tal-kors hu li jispira il-ħolqien ta’ lirika ġdida bil-Malti xierqa għall-kant liturġiku, taħt gwida.

It-tħarbix se jsir b’mod individwali, kif ukoll ma’ ħaddieħor fi gruppi żgħar kif ukoll f’mumenti ta’ qsim bejn kulħadd. Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-kors huwa miftuħ għal persuni li għandhom ‘il fuq minn 18-il sena.

Il-workshops se jsiru nhar ta’ Sibt mit-8:30am sas-2:30pm, Knisja tal-Erwieħ, Ħal Tarxien

7 ta’ Frar 2026Introjtu
7 ta’ Marzu 2026Offertorji
18 ta’ April 2026Tqarbin

Dan il-kors għandu tip ta’ ċertifikat wieħed:

1. Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni

Sabiex jinkiseb Ċertifikat ta’ Partiċipazzjoni, l-istudenti huma meħtieġa jattendu għal tnejn mit-tlett lezzjonijiet li qed jiġu organizzati kif ukoll jiktbu lirika ġdida għal mużika liturġika.

Dan il-kors qed jiġu provdut mill-Akkademja tal-Mużika Sagra Francesco Azzopardi f’kollaborazzjoni tal-Istitut tal-Formazzjoni Pastorali.

L-applikanti għandhom ikollom bażi tajba tal-lingwa Maltija.

 

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.

DateSession
15th September 2025Called to Serve – The Spiritual Heart of Volunteering
22nd September 2025The Life of the Parish – Ministries and Mission
29th September 2025Ethics, Boundaries, and Responsibility
6th October 2025Building Community; Collaboration and finding your place
13th October 2025Formation; 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.

Holy Communion: Continuing the Journey

16/05/2025

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/.

Building on Introduction to Holy Communion, this course aims to explore the Holy Eucharist in greater depth as the source and summit of Christian life. It will delve into the scriptural foundations of the sacrament, such as the Emmaus story, while appreciating Eucharistic themes in classical paintings and sacred music.

Participants will also discover how the Eucharist transcends Sunday worship, inspiring daily life and social justice, and enriching their ministry.

  • Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who provide a service during church masses, in residential elderly homes or homebound sick persons.
  • Those who wish to learn to appreciate more the sacrament of Holy Communion.
  • Those who are starting their service as extraordinary ministers.

Please Note: Doing this course does not entitle the student to become an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Extraordinary ministers are chosen by the parish priests.

Target Audience Age: 18+

This course comprises pre-recorded lectures, which can be accessed on the Moodle platform at a time and pace that suits you. The lectures will cover the following topics:

  • The Emmaus Narrative
  • The Eucharist in Sacred Art
  • The Eucharist in Sacred Music
  • The Eucharist – the spirituality of the ministry
  • Living the Mass

This course has one exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Participation

Students will receive a Certificate of Participation upon completing all recordings and successfully passing a short online assessment.

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.

It is suggested that applicants complete the ‘Introduction to Holy Communion’ course before enrolling in this course.

King David: Hero or Villain?

14/05/2025

The course aims to provide participants with a better understanding of the figure of King David in the Bible. Various aspects relating to Kind David will be considered, shedding light both on aspects for which he may be considered a hero, and also on those for which he may be considered a villain. This is a study whereby one is called to reflect on the different facets, both positive and negative, that may be present in the same character. Among these are the ambitious nature, the traitor, being a sinner, the father figure, and also his saintly aspects.

This course is suitable for pastoral workers helping in the Ministry of the Word. It is also ideal for people who would like to delve deeper in knowledge about King David and all Christians who would like to continue to invest in their relationship with God.

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

28th January 2026David the Ambitious
4th February 2026David the Traitor
11th February 2026David the Sinner
18th February 2026David the Father
25th February 2026David the Saint

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.