Parish & Church entities – Page 3 – Pastoral Formation Institute

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

21/03/2025

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

The starting date was changed to 5th January 2026.

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

• Sunday school teachers / catechists.

• Youth group leaders.

• Christian educators and parents.

• Anyone interested in creative ministry tools.

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

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

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

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

13/03/2025

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-028) 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.

TBA

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Date	Session
TBA	The AI Landscape
TBA	Interacting with AI
TBA	Student Safety in Using AI
TBA	AI Ethics and Morality
TBA	Integration Strategy for AI in Education
TBA	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

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

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.

Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels

23/05/2024

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/.

This course explores the Synoptic Gospels—Mark, Matthew, and Luke—which are often studied together due to their common heritage. In contrast, the Gospel of John belongs to a markedly different tradition and emerged later.

Students will delve into the history and character of these Synoptic Gospels, gaining an appreciation for the styles and themes that are both common and unique to each. This knowledge will be applied through systematic analysis of relevant passages from these three Gospels.

By integrating the content and skills acquired during this course, students will be able to interpret Synoptic passages with greater depth, meaning, and accuracy. They will also learn to recognise and avoid common errors in Scriptural interpretation. Above all, students will grow in their passion for Christ as revealed in the Word.

Pastoral Workers involved in Ministry of the Word.
Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of the scripture.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Session

Gospel According to Mark

Gospel According to Matthew

Gospel According to Luke

The Two-Source Hypothesis

The Two-Source Hypothesis (Application)

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.

Expressions of Personal Prayer

23/05/2024

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/.

This course acquaints students with the more common expressions of prayer within the Catholic Church, exploring their origins, strengths, limitations, and appropriate contexts. By internalising this knowledge, students will be motivated and equipped to advance in their own prayer journey and to guide communal moments of prayer effectively.

To be eligible for this course, participants must have completed the ‘Introduction to Prayer’ course or possess at least an MQF Level 4 qualification in religion or theology. Please upload a copy of your relevant certification with the application form.

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+

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Session

Praying with Nature and Music

Praying with Art

Praying with Scripture

Devotional Prayer

Praying Like the Saints

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.

Introduction to Prayer

23/05/2024

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/.

The aim of this course is to provide participants with a foundational understanding of the place of prayer in the Catholic tradition. Rather than offering a manual or handbook on how to pray, this course will serve as a springboard for exploring prayer within Christianity. Participants will be challenged to consider what it means to see themselves as persons of prayer, deepening their spiritual practice and enriching their faith experience.

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+

This course will be offered from October 2024

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:

What is Prayer?
The Universal Call to Prayer
Prayer in the Old Testament: Models, Advice and Material
Prayer in the New Testament: Models, Advice and Material
Prayer Times and Environments
Praying together and for others
The Mass: The Ultimate Prayer
Aids to Prayer
Leading a Life of Prayer
Important Aspects of Prayer

This course has one exit certificate option:

1. 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.

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 Sacred Scriptures

16/05/2024

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/.

The Bible is not a single work, but a library of books that, while sharing the same divine authorship, differ greatly in their styles, history, cultural background, themes, and interpretation.

Through this course, students can expect to develop a basic understanding of why and how the Bible came to be, considering its different sources, transmission, redaction, consolidation, and intentions.

By integrating their newly acquired knowledge of the Bible’s history and the roles of divine inspiration and human cooperation in its creation, students will be able to interpret Biblical passages with greater depth, meaning, and truth. They will also learn to recognize and avoid common errors in Scriptural interpretation. Above all, they will grow in their passion for God as present in His Word.

Pastoral Workers involved in the Ministry of the Word.
Christians committed to continual growth in their relationship with God, who, however, have little to no experience in the formal study of Sacred Scripture.

Target Audience Age: 18+

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

Session

Canonicity

Inspiration

History of the Old Testament

History of the New Testament

Hermeneutics

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 Achievement

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 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.

Living Beyond Sunday

09/05/2024

This course is eligible for the Get Formed! scheme, allowing students to reclaim 70% of their course fees upon completion. For more information, visit: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

NEW DATES AND FORMAT. SCROLL DOWN TO LEARN MORE.

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

Students have the option to join this course online via Zoom

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

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificates of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Achievement

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

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

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

Introduction to Franciscan Spirituality

03/05/2024 ĊAK

This course delves into the timeless relevance of St Francis of Assisi’s life and teachings, portraying him as both a devoted disciple of Christ and a prophetic figure for our contemporary world. Participants will explore how St Francis’s wisdom can be applied to everyday life, including aspects such as prayer and discernment. Additionally, in anticipation of next year’s Jubilee of Hope, participants will explore St Francis as a companion figure for the upcoming Jubilee.

Franciscan collaborators
Individuals interested to explore and deepen their knowledge in Franciscan Spirituality

Target Audience Age: 18+

Session

Introduction – The Saint’s Life

The Franciscan Rule

The Mysteries of the Incarnation and Easter in the life of St Francis of Assisi

Agiography

St Francis and the Word of God

St Francis’s Testament

The Contemplative Dimension and the Stigmata of St Francis of Assisi

St Francis of Assisi and the Jubilee of Hope

Franciscan Discernment

The Franciscan Dimension of the Liturgy and Particular Devotions

The Economy of Francesco

Franciscan Spirituality in Everyday Life

Half-Day Seminar on The Canticle of Creation*

*Seminar venue will be different from lecture venue.

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

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students must:

attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours
successfully complete and pass from a short multiple-choice exam

3. Certificate of Achievement

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must:

attend a minimum of 80% of all contact hours
successfully complete and pass from a short multiple-choice exam
successfully complete and pass from 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.

Basic Customer Care Skills for Parish Office Staff

15/02/2024

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/.

This course aims to equip participants with both practical skills for front office roles and a deeper understanding of how these skills can be applied within the context of the Church’s mission and ethos. It emphasizes the importance of customer care not only as a professional responsibility but also as a form of ministry and outreach.

Thus, participants will have the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills in basic customer care and front office skills, as a means for new evangelisation.

Parish staff who work in the front office.

Target Audience Age: 18+

TBA

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificates of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation
The student will receive a Certificate of Participation when attending a minimum of 80% of all
contact hours and successfully complete a short multiple-choice online exam.

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate especially, in office suites.

Award in Creating & Animating Prayer Spaces

21/11/2023

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

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

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

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

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

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

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

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

Target Audience Age: 18+

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

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

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

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

Participants will learn how to initiate prayer spaces.

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

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

Click here to view and download a detailed course description

This course will take place on 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

The Pastoral Formation Institute is licensed by MFHEA
(Licence #: 2013-FHI-023) as a Further and Higher Educational Institute. The Award in Creating and Animating Prayer Spaces is accredited at EQF/MQF Level 5, as a Higher Education Programme.

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

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

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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