Youth Formation Pathway

The Pastoral Formation Institute (PFI) and the Malta Catholic Youth Network (MCYN) are collaborating to offer a dedicated formation pathway for individuals involved in youth ministry and those working with young people within the Archdiocese of Malta.

This initiative provides enriching opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, leadership development, and deeper engagement in pastoral work. Formation is essential for all those serving in ministry: not only to grow personally, but also to serve more faithfully and effectively as leaders and animators. We recognise that youth leaders already give generously of their time and energy, which is why this pathway is designed to be flexible and gradual—a journey that can be taken step by step. Investing in formation shows the value we place on the young people whom we accompany, and it allows us to serve them with the highest level of care.

Some of these courses are also eligible for funding under the Get Formed Scheme. Learn more here: https://pfi.edu.mt/get-formed/.

To learn more about and apply for a course, simply click on the respective course card below.

Available Upon Request

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.

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Available Upon Request

Starting 31st January 2026

Preparing a Formative Path for Young People in Organised Ministry

A thriving youth ministry requires intentional planning and a deep understanding of the young people it serves. This course explores the importance of a structured framework in ensuring spiritual growth, engagement, and formation throughout the year. Participants will learn how to assess their youth groups’ unique needs, integrate liturgical and formative elements, and create sessions that resonate with their social and spiritual contexts. The role of discernment in ministry will also be addressed, equipping leaders with tools to seek God’s guidance in their planning. Through hands-on activities, youth leaders will develop a comprehensive, adaptable ministry plan aligned with parish life. Peer discussions and feedback from facilitators will refine these plans, fostering collaboration and shared leadership. By the end of the course, participants will leave with practical strategies to build a dynamic and purposeful youth ministry that nurtures lasting faith formation.

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Starting 31st January 2026

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Introduction to Prayer

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.

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Starting 20th October 2025

Award in Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

This short course will assist youth leaders to recognise the key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable individuals.

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Starting 20th October 2025

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Faith Foundations for Ministry

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.

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Available Upon Request

Introduction to Sacred Scriptures

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.

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Available Upon Request

Starting 12th November 2025

Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

This course offers a rich thematic and theological introduction to the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing its unique portrayal of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the New Moses, and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. Participants will explore key events in Jesus’ life—His birth, teachings, miracles, and passion—while gaining insight into Matthew’s structure and message. Designed for pastoral ministers seeking deeper formation as the Church begins a new liturgical cycle centred on Matthew’s Gospel.

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Starting 12th November 2025

Available Upon Request

Introduction to AI in Pastoral Settings: Tools and Practices

This course aims to equip individuals working in pastoral contexts with the knowledge and skills needed to utilize AI tools effectively. Designed for those with little to no prior knowledge of AI, the course provides a basic understanding of AI systems, their potential applications, and best practices for implementation in pastoral work. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of how AI tools and systems function, an awareness of the positive and negative aspects of such tools, and an understanding of the Church’s position on AI. They will also develop the ability to critically assess which contexts might benefit from introducing AI tools and which would not, as well as gain awareness of some AI tools that might prove useful in pastoral work.

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Available Upon Request