F. Richard Spencer

Frank Richard Spencer (born June 10, 1951) is a retired American Catholic prelate who served as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services from 2010 to June 2026. He was the vicar for military chapels (and U.S. State Department embassies) in Europe and in Asia.

Biography

Early life Frank Spencer was born on June 10, 1951, in Sylacauga, Alabama. He graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1969. He was an altar boy and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Spencer then attended Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in law enforcement. He also received a Master of Education in counseling from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in La Crosse, Wisconsin Spencer earned a Master of Divinity and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, and two honorary Doctor of Letters degrees.

Spencer served in South Korea, Bosnia, Egypt and at the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001, attacks and Germany in capacities to include brigade and division positions. He deployed into Iraq on five occasions and also served two deployments in Afghanistan. Spencer retired from the military as a chaplain, colonel, in February 2014.

Ordination and ministry On May 14, 1988, Spencer was ordained a priest by Archbishop Borders at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore. After his ordination, Spencer was appointed as an associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Glyndon, Maryland, for three years.

Awards and honors Spencer's awards include:

Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters) Army Commendation Medal (6 Oak Leaf Clusters) Iraq Campaign Medal Korean Defense Service Medal

Family Spencer's family includes his younger brother, Father Robert Spencer, retired Commander, U.S. Navy Chaplain; Jim Spencer (a Methodist minister), Bill Spencer and sister, Peggy Spencer Fetyko.