This course is intended to form and support catechists who wish to become better acquainted with the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith, in view of their service to the Christian community. By the end of this course, the learner will become acquainted with the main theological areas underlying catechetical ministry and equipped with essential practical skills needed in the service of catechetical ministry.
If you are a registered pastoral worker with the Archdiocese of Malta, you can benefit from a 20% discount on this course. Start your application process as a pastoral worker on parrocci.knisja.mt/pfi
Catechists who teach children and adolescents.
Target Audience Age: 18+
The course is made up of an asynchronous module and two blended modules.
| Module Title | Mode | Credits |
| Module 1 – Faith Foundations for Ministry incl. seminars | Asynchronous | 1 credit |
| Module 2 – Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children | Blended | 3 credits |
| Module 3 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults | Blended | 1 ECTS |
Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry
This module provides a basic introduction in Christian theology. Participants will explore 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 on The Sources of Theology and gain a basic understanding of the main areas of Christian theology.
Module 2 – Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children
This module will enable participants to construct a holistic vision of catechetical ministry, one which responds to contemporary needs, through the exploration of various areas of knowledge and skills necessary for the formation of the catechetical minister of which include:
- Theoretical and practical aspects of basic catechetical principles
- Catechetical methodology including lesson planning
- Exploration of relative social sciences
- The needs of children with different social and or psychological needs
By the end of the module, the learner will:
- become aware of the call as a catechist and why this role is valuable within the Church;
- develop a thorough and holistic view of the different aspects which build up the core identity of the catechetical minister in the Church;
- become acquainted with the main theological areas underlying catechetical ministry and develop the ability to apply them in ministry
- become equipped with essential practical skills needed for catechetical ministry
Module 4 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
This module will explore key principles of safeguarding and learn to create a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
By the end of the module, students will:
- be familiar with safeguarding policies
- know principles underlying safeguarding
- know the different types of abuse together signs and symptoms of abuse
- know how to deal with disclosure of abuse
- know how to practice professional boundaries and identify poor practice
- know their legal obligations related to the Protection of Minors (Registration) Act (2011) and the Minors Protection Act (2019)
Click here for more information on the Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults module.
Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry
The module is made up of 7 recorded sessions accessible through institute’s Moodle.
Module 2 – Basic Themes in Catechetical Ministry for Children
This module is made up of 3 in-person sessions and 9 recorded sessions, accessible through institute’s Moodle.
Calendar of In-Person Seminars
Saturdays between 9:30am – 12:00pm
| Dates | Seminar Titles |
|---|---|
| 21st October 2023 | My Mission and Vocation as a Catechist |
| 25th November 2023 | Understanding Those Whom We Accompany |
| 20th January 2024 | The Digital Era & Catechesis: Practical Aspects |
| 16th March 2024 | The Sacred Scriptures |
| 20th April 2024 | The Catholic Social Teaching of the Church |
Module 3 – Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
This module is delivered over one in-person session and one recorded session, accessible through institute’s Moodle. In-person session will be held on Saturday 17th February 2024 between 9:30am and 12:30pm.
Students will also be given additional reading material they can read in their own time.
Click here for more information on the Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults module.
This course has two exit certificate options:
- Certificate of Participation
- attend all in-person seminars;
- pass short multiple-choice online exams (per module);
2. Certificate of Achievement
To obtain a Certificate of Achievement, students need to:
- attend all in-person seminars;
- pass the short multiple-choice online exams (per module);
- and successfully complete a written assignment (per module);
Final Awards: Introduction to Catechetical Ministry & Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults
Teaching Institution/s: Pastoral Formation Institute in collaboration with Lifelong Catechesis, and Safeguarding Commission
Digital competences:
Applicants are required to have basic computer literacy, mainly how to access and use an internet browser and use a word processor
Language competences:
The student is required to have at least primary school level of Maltese and English.
Exemptions
Applicants who have an MQF/EQF level 4 (or higher) in Theology or Religious Studies, or have a General Education Award in Evangelisation, will be exempted from Module 1 – Faith Foundation for Ministry. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to info@pfi.edu.mt upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.
Applicants who have an Award in Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults are exempt from Module 3 -Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults. Applicants are required to send a copy of their qualifications to info@pfi.edu.mt upon application. A formal email is sent to applicants once the qualifications are reviewed.