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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

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 33%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

  • 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
SGC4001Blended 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.

February 2024
Lecturing Period
Mode of DeliveryDate & TimeVenue
In-person17th February 2024Archbishop`s Curia, Floriana
Recorded Material17th – 26th February 2024Recorded Videos on the VLE platform
Assessment Period:
AssessmentAvailable FromDue by
Short Multiple-Choice Online Exam26th February 2024Monday 4th March 2024
Reflective Journal26th February 2024Monday 26th March 2024

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: 2 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.

Accompanying Persons Towards Christian Initiation

RCIA

The main objective of this course is to form persons, who are committed Catholics, to provide individual accompaniment to persons who are on a journey to join the Catholic Church and those who would be in their first months as baptised Catholics. Typically, these persons would act as sponsors as understood in the Rite (Order) of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), starting from assisting the enquirers in their process of discerning whether to become members of the Church and accompanying them all the way to Mystagogy.


If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 50%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

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+

CodeMode of Delivery
ICM4001Asynchronous

This module offers a basic introduction to key themes of the main areas of Christian theology. These include fundamental, scriptural, dogmatic, ecclesiological, and ethical theological concepts guiding the evangelising mission of the Church.

By the end of the module, the learner will become aware of what the sources of theology and gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.

CodeMode of Delivery
ACI4001In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)

In this module, students will explore the below themes (in bold):

The Initiation in the Early Church (sources: Didache’, the Traditio Apostolica, the Apostolic Constitutions and Egeria’s Diary)

Initiation rites have developed very early in the Christian Church. This was definitely influenced by contemporary culture and religions. The persecution which continually ensued against the Christians in the Roman Empire also necessitated that those who wanted to become Christians had the appropriate characteristics and their motivations were tested before they were admitted to the community of believers. Various documents, which date back to the first centuries of the Church provide us with significant information about Christian Initiation in the Early Church.

The development of the Rite/Order of the Christian Initiation of Adults (Vatican II and afterwards)

During the years preceding the convocation of the Second Vatican Council there was a particular movement in the Church to restructure the catechumenate for adult persons who wanted to become Catholic in such a way that it was modelled on the Christian Initiation in the Early Church.  The efforts of this movement were promoted by the Second Vatican Council’s general orientation towards updating the Church (aggiornamento) by going to its roots (ressourcement).

Principles of Spiritual Accompaniment

Accompanying a person who is on the journey towards becoming a member of the Catholic Church is one of spiritual nature.  Therefore, it is essential to provide a short exposition of the fundamental principles of spiritual accompaniment.

The role of the sponsor through the RCIA process

The sponsor needs to assume various roles throughout the RCIA process, depending on the stage the candidates are in and according to their personal needs. During these sessions, the various roles which a sponsor would be expected to play during this process are identified and discussed. Moreover, since candidates would be coming from a diversity of cultural backgrounds, an appreciation of such diversity and its impact will also be provided.

CodeMode of Delivery
ACI4002In-person (Face-to-Face Learning)

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.

 

Calendar for Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation

Sessions will be held on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

DateSession
15th January 2024Session 1: The Initiation in the Early Church (sources: Didache’, the Traditio Apostolica, Apostolic Constitutions and Egeria’s Diary)
22nd January 2024Session 2: The Development of the Rite/Order of the Christian Initiation of Adults (Vatican II and afterwards)
29th January 2024Session 3: Principles of Spiritual Accompaniment (1)
5th February 2024Session 4: Principles of Spiritual Accompaniment (2)
12th February 2024Session 5: The Role of the Sponsor Through the RCIA process

Calendar dates for Module 3: Accompaniment Placement will be made available to eligible students closer to starting date of module.

Unless deemed exempt by the institute, students will start this course from Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry. Upon completion of this module:

  • A Certificate of Participation in Faith Foundations for Ministry will be awarded to students that have attended all contact hours of Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry and pass associated short multiple-choice exam.
  • A Certificate of Achievement in Faith Foundations for Ministry will be awarded to students that have attended all contact hours of Module 1: Faith Foundation for Ministry, pass from associated short multiple-choice exam and written assignment.

Those that were required to complete Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry will be eligible to continue course upon successful completion of said module i.e., through obtaining one of the above certificates. Those that were exempt from doing Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry will start directly from Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation.

Upon completion Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation and Module 3: Accompaniment Placement a Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students:

  • that have attended all contact hours (of both modules)
  • that pass from interview subjected in Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation
  • that pass from Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation written assignment
  • that pass from Module 3: Accompaniment Placement 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.

Applicants who are in possession of an MQF/EQF Level 4 or higher qualification in Religious Studies and/or Theology and/or have successfully completed the Higher Education Award in Theology offered by PFI are exempted from Module 1 Faith Foundation for Ministry. A formal email is sent to applicants once Parish Priest recommendation and highest qualification is verified.

If applicants do not possess the required qualifications, they must follow the Module 1: Faith Foundations for Ministry course for free which must be successfully completed before starting Module 2: Historical and Theological Perspectives of Christian Initiation.

CPD – Formation Course on Liturgy For Catechists

  Refectory Hall, The Archbishop`s Curia, Floriana, & Ċentru Parrokkjali Santu r-Rokku, Valletta

While nurturing an understanding of the mystery of Christ, catechesis also assists in comprehending and experiencing liturgical celebrations. These formative sessions help catechists grasp the importance of liturgy in the Church’s life, introducing a deeper knowledge of sacraments and sacramental life, especially the Eucharist – the source and summit of Christian life. Moreover, this course aims to offer an interpretation of sacred rites in light of salvific events, in accordance with Church Tradition and provides an introduction to the meaning of liturgical signs. Participants, primarily catechists, will thus be better prepared to share the acquired knowledge within their own communities.

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

Session format

Lectures will be on Saturdays from 9:30am to 11:30am starting from 28th October 2023.

DateLecture Title
28/10/2023Introduction to Liturgy
18/11/2023The Liturgical Year
27/01/2024Baptism
24/02/2024The Sacrament of Confirmation
27/04/2024The Eucharist
25/05/2024The Practical Aspects Related To The Liturgical Celebration for Children
This course has two exit certificate options: 
  1. Certificate of Attendance

To obtain a Certificate of Attendance, students must attend all the course contact hours. 

2. Certificate of Participation

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

Final Award: Formation Course on Liturgy For Catechists

Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: 6 Saturdays

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.

 

The Sacrament of Baptism

This course is designed for parents deciding to baptise their child. Participants will explore the theology of baptism to understand its significance and purpose. Subsequently, they will obtain a comprehensive understanding of the baptismal rite. Lastly, participants will explore practical ways on how to integrate and live the baptismal promises within their family.

This course will be available in the beginning of March 2024

New parents

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

This course will be available in the beginning of March 2024

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

This course has two exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

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

  1. Certificate of Participation 

The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when:

  • when watching all recorded lectures available on VLE platform.
  • pass from short multiple-choice online exam

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.

The Liturgical Animation

The Liturgical Animation

This course is aimed for those involved in liturgical animation or those interested in this ministry so that they enrich their knowledge and practice in this field. They will appreciate more what animation is and acquire the necessary skills required for this ministry. Participants will reflect on the aspects of the role of a liturgical animator, become aware of the musical and singing abilities required, learn about the seasons of the liturgical year and the respective repertoire, amongst other topics. The course will concentrate on the animation of Eucharist celebration and other moments of prayer like the liturgy of the hours and Eucharistic adoration.

Dates will be announced soon.

The Organ in the Liturgy

The Organ in the Liturgy

This course is aimed for those who already play the organ at our churches or those interested to start in this ministry so that they strengthen their knowledge on the organist’s mission. One or two sessions are to be lectured in different churches so that the participants will have the opportunity to train on organs of different styles, models and epoch. The attendees will learn on the organ’s central place in the liturgy, its structure and maintenance, the art of registrations and the art of improvisation in the liturgy.

Dates will be announced soon.

Pastoral Initiatives in Lent

The participants will engage in preparations for the imminent Lenten season, during which the Diakonia, spiritual, and cultural dimensions of this significant period in the Church will be emphasized and explored. This preparation aims to equip and enrich them for their pastoral roles in their respective parishes and communities, enabling them to guide others effectively on their journey during this special time of grace.

Upon acquiring new insights and skills, participants will be encouraged to collaborate with their parish priests in organizing and planning a schedule for Lent for their respective groups. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure a well-rounded and meaningful Lenten experience for the parish community, incorporating elements of Diakonia, spirituality, and culture to foster a deeper connection with the season’s spiritual significance.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 50% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi.

  • Pastoral Workers, especially those involved in decision-making bodies.
  • Religious people and Priests
  • Individuals interested in the subject

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

DateSession
10th January 2023Culture in Lent
17th January 2023Spirituality in Lent
24th January 2023Diakonia & Prayer Experiences

This course has two 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. 

  1. Certificate of Achievement  

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

  • attend a minimum 80% of all contact hours
  • pass written assessment

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.

Seminar: Safeguarding – Adults Working with Minors

  Ta' Mlit Pastoral Centre
Safeguarding Minors

This full-day seminar will assist all those who work with children and handle their data, to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children. Throughout the seminar, participants will:

  • Obtain more awareness on the subject of safeguarding.
  • Gain knowledge on how to create healthier environments, especially with minors.
  • Be able to promote healthier relationships in pastoral work.
  • Discuss and draw concrete solutions to preventing abuse.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 25%  discount on this seminar. The course fee includes lunch. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

Adults working with minors, especially:

  • Individuals who assist in children’s mass/liturgy
  • Individuals involved in leadership of altar boy groups
  • Individuals involved in the leadership of parish commission for children
  • Individuals involved in the leadership of children’s choir
  • Individuals involved in catechism
Date & TimeSession Title
Saturday 18th November 2023 8:30 am – 2:30 pmSession 1: Introduction to Safeguarding
Session 2: Health Relationships and Safe Boundaries
Session 3: Way Forward

This seminar has three exit certificate options: 

Certificate of Attendance

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

  • attended all contact hours

Certificate of Participation

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to students who have:

  • attended all contact hours
  • and successfully completed short multiple-choice exam

Certificate of Achievement 

A Certificate of Achievement is awarded to students who have:

  • attended all contact hours
  • successfully completed short multiple choice exam
  • and submit a written assessment

Qualifications

The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of academic, vocational, and professional qualifications as well as work and other appropriate experiences and skills.

Language Skills

Primary level understanding of Maltese and English is required.

Digital Skills

Ability to use the internet and use a word processor is required.

Every application will be considered on its individual merits and evaluated on the basis of academic potential.

Introduction to Holy Communion

  Online

Course Description

The course Introduction to the Eucharist is designed to give the extraordinary minister formation and direction for distributing communion during masses and to be a guide to help him/her in taking communion to those who are unable to join the community in person. By the end of this course the student will: 

  • have a basic biblical and theological understanding of the teachings related to the Eucharist.   
  • know the language in which liturgical worship is explicit. 
  • learn most matters concerning the rite of Communion.  
  • learn to appreciate more the sacrament of Holy Communion. 
  • acquire a deeper knowledge of the role of the extraordinary minister. 
  • grasp the spiritual meaning that this role entails

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 50%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi


Intended For

  • 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 pastor of the parish/community. 


Curriculum

Part 1: God With Us – Dogmatic Theology 
  1. Christian theology on God’s revelation in the Eucharist.  
  2. The communitarian dimension of the Eucharist.  
  3. Eucharistic miracles around the world.  
  4. Re-actualisation – understanding the past, present and future dimensions of the sacraments.  
  5. Terminology for the Blessed Sacrament.  
Part 2: The Biblical Foundations of the Eucharist
  1. The scriptural perspective of the Church’s teachings on the Eucharist. 
  2. The foreshadowing of the Eucharist in the Old Testament. 
  3. The Last Supper narratives. 
  4. The testimony of St Paul on the Eucharist. 
  5. Exegesis. 
 
Part 3: The Eucharist in Daily Life 
  1. The role of the extraordinary minister at mass and at home. 
  2. The effects of the Eucharist on the community. 
  3. Cultivating my relationship with God through the Eucharist. 
  4. Way of life of the extraordinary minister. 
  5. The spiritual dimension of the role of the Eucharistic minister – testimonials:  

Calendar

The course is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 18 minutes long. The student will be provided with a username and a password so s/he can watch these sessions on his/her own device. The total number of minutes amounts to 5-6 hours including the assessment.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.


Assessment & Certification

Assessment: Multiple choice test after each online session. The pass mark is 60%. 

Certificate: Certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all the sessions and pass all the assessments.

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Awarding and Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute


Entry Requirement

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.

Introduction to Holy Mass

  Online
introduction to holy mass

Course Description

The course Introduction to the Holy Mass is designed to give all those involved in the preparation of the Liturgy, formation for a better understanding of the different parts of the Eucharistic celebration. In light of Sacrosanctum Concilium’s desire to restore the celebration of the Mass to the vigour it enjoyed in Patristic times the course intends to explain the liturgico-historical roots of the different rites of the Mass for a better understanding of the celebration of the Eucharist according to the post-conciliar Missale Romanum. Moreover, such knowledge will enable the participants to put into practice the much desired active participation of the faithful in the celebration of the Mass.  By the end of this course the student will:  

  • have a basic liturgical and theological understanding of the celebration of the Mass according to the Missale Romanum 1975. 
  • know the language in which liturgical worship is explicated.  
  • know the historical roots of the different parts of the Mass. 
  • learn most matters concerning the different rites which compose the celebration of the Mass.   
  • acquire a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different roles, members of the assembly hold.  
  • grasp the spiritual meaning that these roles entail

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 50%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi


Intended For

  • Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion,
  • Lectors, Animators,
  • Choir members,
  • members of the Parish Liturgical Commission
  • and those interested in understanding better the celebration of the Eucharist.

Curriculum

Part 1: The Introductory Rites  

  • The Introit
  • Greeting of the Altar and of the Assembly  
  • The Act of Penance
  • The Kyrie Eleison
  • The Gloria
  • The Collect 

Part 2: The Liturgy of the Word   

  • The Readings and the Responsorial Psalm
  • The Acclamation and the Gospel
  • The Homily
  • The Profession of Faith
  • The Prayer of the Faithful. 

Part 3: The Liturgy of the Eucharist  

  • The Offertory
  • The Preface
  • The Eucharistic Prayer I
  • The Eucharistic Prayer II
  • The Eucharistic Prayer III
  • The Eucharistic Prayer IV
  • The Eucharistic Prayer V
  • The Eucharistic Prayer of Reconciliation I and II 

Part 4: The Communion Rite

  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • The Rite of Peace
  • The Fraction
  • Communion
  • The Concluding Rites

Calendar

The course is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 15 minutes long. The student will be provided with a username and a password so s/he can watch these sessions at his/her own computer or other technological device. The total number of minutes amount to 6-7hrs including the assessment.

Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.


Assessment & Certification

Assessment: Multiple choice test after each online session. The pass mark is 60%. 

Certificate: Certificate of completion will be awarded to those who complete all the sessions and pass all the assessments.

An electronic certificate will be sent via email, within a week of successfully completing the course.

Awarding and Teaching Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute


Entry Requirement

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.