This course provides a solid introduction to the reading of Gregorian chant notation, guiding participants through the graphic system that has preserved and transmitted the liturgical repertoire of the Church for over a millennium.
Through a gradual, practice-oriented approach, participants will become familiar with the fundamental elements of Gregorian notation, including the four-line staff, clefs, simple and compound neumes, the principal rhythmic signs, expressive markings, and the interpretative principles that transform notation into a living musical practice.
Each topic will be explored through the analysis and performance of well-known chants from the Gregorian repertoire, carefully selected for their pedagogical value as well as their liturgical and musical significance. Examples may include Ubi caritas, Salve Regina, Puer natus est, Victimae paschali laudes, Veni Creator Spiritus, together with other chants representing the principal seasons of the liturgical year.
Particular attention will be devoted to the relationship between the Latin text and the melody, ecclesiastical Latin pronunciation, musical phrasing, and the liturgical context of the repertoire, enabling participants to approach Gregorian notation not merely as a writing system but as a means of expressive and informed musical interpretation.
- Teacher: Josef Bugeja
This five‑session course offers a concise yet enriching journey through the Gospel of Mark, guiding participants from an introductory overview into four key themes that shape Mark’s unique portrait of Jesus. Together, we explore the power of Jesus’ miracles, the depth and challenge of his parables, the demanding but transformative call to discipleship, and the stark, compelling drama of the Passion narrative. The course invites learners to engage both heart and mind as they encounter Mark’s urgent proclamation of the Good News.
- Teacher: Sinclair Bugeja
This course introduces the principles and practices of communal discernment in the Catholic tradition. Participants will explore how communities can prayerfully seek God’s will together, grounded in Scripture, Church teaching, and Ignatian spirituality. Through reflection, dialogue, and practical exercises, you will learn to integrate spiritual listening and mission-oriented decision-making in your context.
- Teacher: Raymond Pace SJ
This course offers a foundational introduction to the core elements of the Catholic faith. It explores the sources of faith through Revelation, Scripture, and anthropology, leading to a deeper understanding of God revealed in Jesus Christ as the Triune God. Participants are guided through the meaning of the Church, the Sacraments, and the Liturgy as central to Christian life. The course also introduces the moral and social teachings of the Church, helping learners connect faith with daily living and responsible action in society.
- Teacher: Mariella Catania
- Teacher: David Torpiano
The course connects Lorenzo Milani’s pedagogical insights with current challenges faced in Maltese schools and pastoral formation centres, such as student disengagement, social inequality, digital culture, and the pastoral accompaniment of children and young people. Participants will be invited to reflect on how educators, catechists, and pastoral leaders can foster environments of formation rooted in dignity, belonging, participation, and the ethos of “I care,” in line with the mission of the Church in Malta.
This course explores the educational vision of Lorenzo Milani and its relevance for contemporary Catholic formal education and pastoral ministry in Malta. Through five sessions, participants examine Milani’s life, the experience of the Barbiana school, and key themes from Letter to a Teacher, including inclusion, equity, literacy, and the formation of conscience.
- Teacher: Mr Joseph Pellicano
This course explores key dimensions of contemporary catechetical ministry with children and pre-adolescents, placing particular emphasis on collaboration with families, spiritual nurture, inclusion, and effective pedagogical practice. Participants will reflect on the role of catechesis within today’s diverse realities and examine practical approaches that foster meaningful faith formation and deeper integration within the Christian community. Through discussion, reflection, and applied pastoral insights, the course seeks to equip catechists and pastoral workers with the tools necessary to accompany young people in their faith journey with greater confidence and sensitivity.
This five‑session course offers a concise yet rich introduction to the life, mission, and theology of the Apostle Paul through both the narrative of Acts and the undisputed Pauline epistles. Participants begin with Paul’s dramatic emergence in Acts before moving through key epistles that reveal his pastoral heart, theological depth, and evolving relationships with early Christian communities: the hope and urgency of 1 Thessalonians and Galatians, the joy and reconciliation of Philippians and Philemon, the complex dynamics of the Corinthian correspondence, and the sweeping theological vision of Romans. Together, these sessions provide a coherent overview of Paul’s thought and its enduring impact on Christian identity and practice.
This course offers participants an opportunity to grow more deeply in the spirit of St Francis of Assisi and to discover how his Gospel vision can shape daily Christian life today. Through prayerful reflection, storytelling, and practical examples, the course explores Franciscan themes such as care for creation, peace and dialogue, love of the Cross, joy in hardship, accompaniment in illness, and humble service. Drawing from the wisdom of St Francis and the wider Franciscan family, participants are invited to reflect on their personal journey of faith and to live more fully the Franciscan values of simplicity, fraternity, compassion, and hope in the 21st century.
- Teacher: Allister Aquilina OFM Conv.
- Teacher: Christian Anthony Borg Ofm Conv.
- Teacher: Andrew Galea
In a world shaped by clicks, screens, and shared stories, the digital landscape offers a vast frontier for evangelization, community-building, and meaningful dialogue. This course provides a structured practical pathway for pastoral workers and volunteers who will be guided through the key areas of the digital presence including understanding digital culture, the language used on social media, content creation, and building a sustainable web presence. This course is intended not only to pastoral workers and parish volunteers, but also to members of ecclesial entities and groups who are interested in digital ministry or currently contribute to their online presence—whether through websites or social media.
- Teacher: Noel Abdilla
- Teacher: Evan Demicoli
- Teacher: Liam Farrugia
This course invites participants to explore the timeless wisdom of the Book of Psalms as a guide for spiritual depth and reflection throughout life's journey. Hence the programme delves into the Psalter as the prayer book in the Bible (CCC2587). By internalising this knowledge in prayer and personal reflection, the participants are encouraged to a deepen spiritual understanding of the Psalms and their relevance to life's joys and challenges.
- Teacher: Joseph Ciappara
