Today marks Fr. Matthew Spencer’s last day as host of St. Joseph’s Workshop with Fr. Matthew Spencer. He announced several weeks ago that he would be transitioning out of his role as host of the daily spiritual direction show, with his last show airing on April 3rd.

Fr. Matthew Spencer, OSJ has been a part of the Relevant Radio® family for several years. He started as the chaplain of Immaculate Heart Radio, and his homilies and spiritual direction were so appreciated by staff and volunteers that it seemed wrong to keep his insights hidden under a bushel basket. St. Joseph’s Workshop was launched, with Fr. Matthew as the host, to help listeners find grace in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

When Immaculate Heart Radio and Relevant Radio® merged in 2017, Fr. Matthew joined the line-up of hosts and brought St. Joseph’s Workshop to a national audience.

During his time as host, Fr. Matthew has also maintained his priestly responsibilities as an Oblate of Saint Joseph. The Oblates were founded in 1878 by St. Joseph Marello, with the primary ministries of youth education, care for the poor, and assisting the local bishop with the needs of his diocese. The Oblates strive to serve Jesus and his Church in whatever way they are called, under the motto, “Do the ordinary in an extraordinary way.” Last March, Fr. Matthew assumed the role of Provincial of the Oblates of St. Joseph.

After many months of balancing his new responsibilities as Provincial with St. Joseph’s Workshop, Fr. Matthew prayerfully discerned that he needed to step away from a daily radio show to focus on the needs of his fellow Oblates.

“Following my appointment as Provincial last year, I have come to realize that my duties to my brother Oblates and to my Congregation need more attention than I can reasonably give them while also hosting a radio program,” he said. “For months I have pondered many ways to make it possible to continue, but after much prayer and consideration, it’s become clear that God is asking me to give myself in service to my Congregation in ways that necessitate me transitioning out of a daily radio program.”

Calling this decision bittersweet, Fr. Matthew expressed gratitude for Relevant Radio and the many listeners who have tuned-in each day.

“These last few years have been filled with joy in my priesthood, in no small part due to the honor of being able to collaborate with Relevant Radio,” he said.

Fr. Francis J. Hoffman, “Father Rocky”, Executive Director/CEO of Relevant Radio, expressed the sentiments of many listeners and Relevant Radio associates when he said, “I will miss Fr. Matthew’s daily St. Joseph’s Workshop because he offered so much content, such rich spiritual depth, and prudent guidance and wisdom.  Fr. Matthew is wise beyond his years.  His humility and willingness to serve is an example to all of us.  He will be missed, but the podcasts of his show will remain on our App, and we hope he will still be on air from time to time.”

Of his role at Relevant Radio, Fr. Matthew said, “I will certainly not be a stranger and I am happy to remain part of the Relevant Radio family, just with a different role. I am so grateful for the Lord’s work being done at Relevant Radio, and I’ve been proud to be a part of it.”

Please join us in wishing Fr. Matthew well as he continues his work as the Provincial of the Oblates of St. Joseph. And remember, you can listen to past episodes of St. Joseph’s Workshop anytime on the Relevant Radio App.