Born into a family of eleven children, Fr. Matthew Spencer worked as a software engineer before a health crisis prompted him to reevaluate his life’s direction. The support and example of the priests of the Oblates of St. Joseph had a profound impact on him, and Fr. Matthew found himself drawn to their simple lives and family spirit.

He entered the seminary of the Oblates of St. Joseph in 2003, completed a master of divinity and a master of arts degree in spiritual theology and was ordained to the priesthood in 2009. He served as vice provincial and director of communications for the Oblates of St. Joseph out of Mount St. Joseph, Loomis, California. Father Matthew was widely recognized as the host of the Relevant Radio daily talk show called “St. Joseph’s Workshop.” Father is currently serving as the Provincial of O.S.J. in Santa Cruz, CA.