such as cooking, laundry and cleaning. They have since returned to Canada due to a lack of religious vocations, but currently working in their stead are the Oblates of Jesus the Priest. The Society of Saint Sulpice withdrew completely from St. Patrick's Seminary & University on June 30, 2017. Clerical formation Students are admitted to Saint Patrick Seminary on the recommendation of their diocesan bishop after intensive psychological testing and rigorous interviews. The program consists of four years of spiritual, academic and pastoral formation in residence. Following the second year of studies, a candidate undergoes a year of intensively supervised pastoral experience. Normally, a candidate is called to the diaconate by his bishop in the fall semester of his last year, to serve in a local parish for the remainder of that year before being called to the presbyterate. All candidates undergo formation which includes daily participation in the Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist, as well as spiritual exercises and special devotions. For continued studies at Saint Patrick's, all candidates must conform to the standards of moral and academic fitness required by the seminary in accordance with its directives and prescriptions for its program of priestly formation. Candidates deemed unsuitable for seminary life or for the priesthood are either put on probation or dismissed outright from the seminary community. Notable alumni or staff Notable alumni and staff include: References External links Seminary rector wants priests who can dialogue, evangelize (February 3, 2005). St. Patrick Seminary official website Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco Catholic seminaries in the United States Seminaries and theological colleges in California Universities and colleges in San Mateo County, California Educational institutions established in 1898 1898 establishments in California Menlo Park, California Society of the Priests of Saint Sulpice