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Introduction to Mariology

15/01/2024   Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta
Mariology

This course aims to provide theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church. The sessions will start by analysing the portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Holy Scriptures and Marian devotion in the early Church. The course will explore the development of the Marian dogmas and the devotion to Mary in the Eastern traditions. The course will also treat the way Mary as Mother of the Church is presented in Vatican Council II and the subsequent Mariological documents by the Popes in the last fifty years. The sessions will proceed to focus on the beautiful rendering of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Art and the manifold references to the Mother of God in Maltese poetry. In conclusion, the course will reflect on Mary as one of the most important figures in Christianity as a role model for all women. 

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 15%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

All who wish to enrich their theological and spiritual knowledge about the Blessed Virgin Mary and the development of Mariology in the Church. 

Target Audience`s Age: 18+
Session Format

This course will be delivered over 15 lectures, each lecture covering a different aspect of Mariology. The themes which will be covered are:

  • The portrayal of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Old Testament
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts of the Apostles
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Gospel of John
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary and the early Church Fathers
  • The four Marian dogmas
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Oriental traditions (Catholics and Orthodox)
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Liturgy
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Second Vatican Council
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in the Papal Magisterium of the last sixty years
  • Marian Spirituality
  • Portrayals of the Virgin Mary in Films
  • Marian Art in foreign countries
  • Marian Art in Malta
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary in Maltese poetry
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary and woman in the Church

Please note that these themes will not necessarily be delivered in this particular order.

Session Format

Lectures will be on Mondays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 15th January 2024

MonthDays
January15th, 22nd & 29th
February5th, 19th & 26th
March4th, 11th & 18th
April8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
May6th & 13th

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course`s contact hours.

  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 tests. 

  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 tests (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment.

Final Award: Certificate in Introduction to Mariology

Teaching & Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Five months part-time course

* Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.

Every application will be considered on its individual merits. The Pastoral Formation Institute accepts a wide range of qualifications, and we always try to evaluate 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.

An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

10/01/2024   Ta` Mlit, Pastoral Centre, Mosta

The course aims to provide theological knowledge regarding the Catholic belief in the Holy Spirit as it developed throughout the centuries and lived in various aspects of ecclesial life. The course starts by analysing scripture references to the Holy Spirit and explores the development of the theology of the Holy Spirit from the Church Fathers to contemporary theology. The course also illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit in liturgy, ecclesial life and communal discernment, and concludes by analysing how the Holy Spirit is expressed in art.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 15%  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

People who wish to enrich their spirituality by learning more about the third person of the Holy Trinity.

Target Audience`s Age: 18+

This course delves into four main areas:

  1. The Holy Spirit in Scriptures
  2. Patristic and Dogmatic Theology of the Holy Spirit
  3. Holy Spirit in Liturgy
  4. Manifestation of the Holy Spirit
Session Format

Lectures will be on Wednesdays between 18:00 and 20:00 starting from 10th January 2024

MonthDays
January10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st
February7th, 14th, 21st & 28th
March6th, 13th & 20th
April10th, 17th & 24th
May8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th
June5th

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of the course`s contact hours.

  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 tests. 

  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 tests (mentioned in point 2),
  • and also submit a written assessment of at least 1000-1500 words.

Final Award: Certificate in An Introduction to the Theology of the Holy Spirit

Awarding Institute: Pastoral Formation Institute

Duration: Four months part-time course

* Attendance Criteria: Students must attend at least 80% of all the course`s contact hours.

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 the Gospel of John

06/11/2023   Ta’ Mlit Pastoral Centre Mosta
St John

During this course, students will have the opportunity to delve into the Christology of the Fourth Gospel and the different related themes which emerge from the narrative when compared to the Synoptic Gospels. It will present the purpose, date, destination, and historical context in which this gospel was written and how it was used throughout the history of Church’s Dogma. 

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 14 %  discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

This course is for all who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Gospel of John.

Target Audience Age: 18+

The short course is delivered over three 2-hour lectures.

SessionThemes
Session 1– The author of the Fourth Gospel. 
 – Differences between the Synoptic Gospels and the Fourth Gospel.
Session 2– Nicodemus (Jn 3)
– The Samaritan Woman (Jn 4) 
Session 3 – The man born blind (Jn 9) 
– Lazarus (Jn 11) 

 

The course is delivered over 6 contact hours spread over three 2-hour sessions.

Lectures are held on Monday 6th, 13th and 20th of November 2023 between 18:00 – 20:00.

Certification:  

This course has three exit certificate options: 

  1. Certificate of Attendance

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

2. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation, students need to meet the attendance criteria and successfully conclude the course multiple-choice online exam. 

3. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students must: 

  • attend all of the course`s contact hours;  
  • pass the short multiple-choice online exam; 
  • and successfully complete a written assignment;

AFF Level: Level 6

Total ECTS: 1 Credit

Teaching and Awarding Institution: Pastoral Formation Institute

Qualifications: Basic knowledge of the Gospels/Undergraduate students.

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.

Introduction to Youth Ministry

25/10/2023
Introduction to Youth Ministry

This course will serve as an introduction and foundation for youth ministry. Youth ministers, youth leaders and animators will reflect on who they are, their journey of faith and the call of being a youth minister/youth leader/animator in today’s society. This will involve a discussion on ‘tools’ that believers should have to live faith.

If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 44% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi

  • Serving youth ministers/youth leaders/animators
  • Youth aspiring to become youth ministers/youth leaders/animators

Target Audience Age: 16+

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

DateSession Title
21st February 2024Reaching to our Roots
28th February 2024Catholic Youth Leaders
6th March 2024Living out our Faith 1
13th March 2024Living out our Faith 2
20th March 2024Deepening of Certain Ministry Aspects

This course has two exit certificate options:

1. Certificate of Attendance

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of contact hours for this course.

2. Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to students who have attended at least 80% of contact hours for this course and successfully complete and pass written assessment.

Digital: Applicants are required to be digitally literate, including knowing how to access the internet and use office suite software.

The Jubilee – Pilgrims of Hope

25/10/2023
Jubilee - Pilgrims of Hope

As the Church prepares for the Ordinary Jubilee to be held in 2025 – Pilgrims in Hope, the attendee will get to know better the meaning of the words: jubilee, hope and pilgrimage starting from their biblical foundations. We will also delve into some of the Popes’ teaching on hope. Then we will have a session applying the Jubilee for us today and how it relates to the Church’s mission of Evangelisation.

Dates will be announced soon.

Pastoral Initiatives in Lent

25/10/2023

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.

Award in Augustinian Spirituality for Educators

25/10/2023
Augistinian Spirituality

Elements of Augustinian charism and identity will be proposed in a meaningful manner to the building up of today’s society, especially in education. Thus, by exploring critically various aspects, the participants will grasp a deeper knowledge and experience of Augustinian values.

The main objective of the course is to present in a brief way the charism and the spirituality of the Augustinian Order through values and practical experience from education.

Dates will be announced soon.

Faith Foundations for Ministry

21/10/2023

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 have:
  • become aware of what the sources of theology are;
  • gained a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.

This course is intended to form and support adults who wish to become better acquainted with the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith. This course is offered in asynchronous learning mode as a foundation course before applying for other courses offered by the Pastoral Formation Institute.

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

Adults who do not have an academic theological background and wish to widen their knowledge on the Catholic Faith. 

Target Audience Age: 18+

TopicLecturer
The Sacred ScripturesMr Edward Wright
The Scriptures, Tradition and MagisteriumMr Edward Wright
The Christian doctrine of God of Jesus ChristMs Dorianne Cassar
The Holy SpiritDr Dorianne Buttigieg
The Church as the builder of the Kingdom of God Mr Edward Wright
The Meaning of the Sacraments and the LiturgyRev. Stephen Attard
The Catholic Social Teaching of the Church Rev. Dr Carlo Calleja

 

Applicants will have access to this material on the PFI`s Moodle Portal. The module is delivered in short, recorded sessions which are each about 15 minutes long. The students will be provided with a username and a password so they can watch these sessions on their own devices. The total number of minutes amounts to 8 hours.

The course will be offered in October 2023. Usernames and passwords will be sent to students within a week of payment confirmation.

This course has two exit certificate options: 
  1. Certificate of Participation

To obtain a Certificate of Participation need to watch all the online material and successfully complete all the short multiple-choice exams. 

2. Certificate of Achievement 

To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students need to: 

  • pass the short multiple-choice online exams; 
  • and successfully complete a written assignment;

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

Click here to view the PFI`s Grading System

AFF Level: Level 4

Total Credits: 1 Credit

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.

Language: Primary level understanding of Maltese and English.

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

Riflessjoni Spiritwali: Ġimgħa Mqaddsa

13/03/2023   Online

Deskrizzjoni

F’dan il-kors, premezz ta’ vidjows qosra, ser naraw l-aspetti spiritwali u profondi tal-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa biex inkunu nistgħu nifhmu iktar dan il-Misteru tas-Salvazzjoni hekk kbir u importanti fil-ħajja Nisranija. Nibdew minn Ħadd il-Palm u d-daħla lejn Ġerusalemm (il-belt il-maħbuba li ma taċċettax l-imħabba), it-twaqqif tal-Ewkaristija f’Ħamis ix-Xirka u t-tifsira tal-ħasil tar-riġlejn, is-silenzju fil-Ġimgħa l-Kbira, l-istennija ma’ Marija s-Sibt filgħodu, it-tiġdid fil-velja tal-Għid bis-simboli tan-nar (id-dawl tal-ħajja), l-ilma li jippurifika lejn il-Glorja ta’ Sibt il-Għid u Ħadd il-Għid.

F’dan il-kors, Il-parteċipanti ser ikunu akkumpanjati matul din il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa bir-riflessjonijiet bibliċi u b’analiżi spiritwali. Il-mixja spiritwali ta’ kull Nisrani hija relatata mat-tbatija li għadda minnha Ġesù, speċjalment fil-mumenti tat-tradiment, solitudni, ġudizzju, biża’ u deċiżjonijiet diffiċli.

L-għan huwa li l-parteċipanti jaslu għall-għarfien tal-Qawmien, il-konsolazzjoni u tiġdid spiritwali u jagħrfu l-umiltà u l-għotja ta’ Ġesù fil-mixja tiegħu fuq din l-art, mill-qtugħ il-qalb fil-Ġnien tal-Ġetsemani, il-perseveranza matul il-passjoni sa ma wasal fil-glorja tal-qawmien.

L-applikazzjoni għal dawn ir-riflessjonijiet magħluqa. Grazzi u l-Għid it-Tajjeb

Kalendarju

Dan il-kors riflessiv dwar il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa huwa maqsum fuq 14-il vidjow qasir. L-applikant ser jirċievi username u password sabiex ikun jista’ jara dawn il-vidjows fuq l-appart elettroniku tiegħu. L-applikant jista’ jara dawn il-vidjows bil-kumdità tiegħu, x’ħin u fejn irid.

Il-username u l-password jintbagħtu lill-istudenti fi żmien gimgħa mil-applikazzjoni. 

Applikazzjoni

Studenti tas-sena akkademika 2022-23 tal-Istitut ta’ Formazzjoni Pastorali għandhom isibu dan il-kors fil-account tal-Moodle tagħhom.

Nitoblu lill-operaturi pastorali reġistrati sabiex jimlew l-applikazzjoni minn fuq https://parrocci.knisja.mt/riflessjoni/ biex hekk jiġbru il-voucher li jippermetilhom ma jħallsux għal dawn is-sessjonijiet.

Jekk inti operatur pastorali u għadek mintiex reġistrat/a bħala operatur pastorali tista’ tirreġistra billi tagħfas hawn.  

Applikanti li mhumiex studenti tal-Istitut ta’ Formazzjoni Pastorali tas-sena akkademika 2022-23, jew operaturi pastorali, jistgħu japplikaw permezz ta’ din l-applikazzjoni

Introduction to Holy Mass

01/01/2023   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.