PRAXIS

Fr Rob Eaton submitted the "winning" name for the San Joaquin Schools for Ministry newsletter. His explanation follows:

How about the word "PRAXIS"?

That would be the Greek word used for the book we call Acts (of the Apostles), which we hope graduates will follow, and it is from Acts (Praxis) that we have derived one of the "baptismal vows", from Acts 2.

An excellent description (granted with an Eastern Orthodox perspective) can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praxis_(Orthodox)

A quote that uses the word itself and also refers specifically to ministry office would be Romans 12.4, and although an incomplete thought in the verse alone, the larger context shows that all Christians, both lay and ordained have a "function". So also SJSM is not limited to those on the ordination track. Acts 19:18 uses the word, too, but in this context shows that not all "practices" are good ones, thus the need for Christian education, training, and formation. The word is found in Colossians 3:10, which refers to the transformative nature of Christ which requires "true knowledge"; praxis is used to refer to the practices that differentiate the old man from the new man.

Thank you Fr Rob!