About Us
Our Team:
Our ministry is based on the belief that all people are entitled to receive spiritual guidance and support, regardless of their identified faith or background. Our entire team is committed to serving those needs. As a result, a high percentage of the services we provide are for our established families or corporate groups, and from "word of mouth" referrals. We are a proud inductee into The Knot Hall of Fame and consecutive recipient of the Wedding Wire "Couples' Choice" Awards (2012-2024) and The Knot "Best of Weddings."
The Reverend Father Michael J. Calderin
MA, CAP, CMHP, GSC
The Reverend Father Michael J. Calderin, MA, CMHP, CAP, GSC is the Senior Pastor and Administrator at Saint Jude. Reverend Michael oversees the ministry including the Pastoral and Chaplaincy training program. Reverend Michael is an active Police, Fire and Hospital Chaplain, and is a member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains and the Federation of Fire Chaplains. As a Chaplain, Reverend Michael serves those of all faiths.
Reverend Michael is also the Associate Pastor at Spirit of God Parish in Miami, and often concelebrates at Our Lady of Hope Orthodox Catholic Church in Hollywood, Florida.
Rev Michael earned a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor’s degree from Empire State University of the State University of New York. Reverend Michael holds certifications in Mental Health, Addictions, and Victim Services.
Reverend Michael completed his ministerial and chaplaincy training at New Directions Institute while providing spiritual guidance to those suffering from mental illness. Reverend Michael received Ecclesiastical training from the Western Orthodox Catholic Church and further training from the Catholic Apostolic Church International. In December 2023, Rev Michael was incardinated into Good Shepherd Companions, an Ecumenical Catholic Ordinariate.
Reverend Michael served at the Broward County Sheriff's Office from November 2000 through December 2012. He held several positions throughout his 12 years of service, rising to Commander in 2008. He received several letters of commendation for his distinguished service. Reverend Michael was appointed in 2007 as the Florida Chaplain for the National Police Defense Foundation where he continues to serve.
Reverend Michael completed his counseling internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia-Cornell Medical Center, where he subsequently served in the Department of Psychiatry for over 10 years prior to his relocation to Florida. Overall, Reverend Michael has over 37 years in public service.
Rev. Michael is the recipient of many distinguished Awards, including:
Unit Citation for responding to the Surfside building collapse
Shomrim Society of South Florida "Person of the Year"
B'nai B'rith Citation for Community Service
New York 1 News "New Yorker of the Week"
Broward Crime Stoppers President's Award
Broward County Sheriff's Office "Award of Excellence"
Decorated over 20 times during his service to the New York City Police Department, from 1987-1998.
Reverend Michael Somberg
MS, BS
The Reverend Michael Somberg, MS, BS is the Associate Pastor at Saint Jude, and is often referred to as "the other Rev. Michael" LOL. He is a 40 plus year veteran of law enforcement service, having retired in December 2012, although he has stayed active in a consulting capacity to many police chiefs and sheriffs. Rev Michael served at the Miami Beach Police Department, and later joined the Broward County Sheriff's Office. Through the years, Michael has not only been a public servant but has served on numerous organizations as a volunteer and serving on the boards of the Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA. He has volunteered his time to the Miracle League as well as other organizations devoted to special needs children.
Rev. Michael’s dynamic personality as well as his sense of humor and appreciation of the solemnity of the event will provide you with a wonderful memory of that most special day. Michael is a husband and proud father, and he understands the balance between the responsibilities of life and work.
Rev Michael holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Florida State University-GO NOLES!! He is one of the select few law enforcement professionals who has ever been chosen to be a Senior Executive Fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where his area of interest focused on public policy issues. Michael completed his pastoral training and residency at Saint Jude. For those seeking a civil ceremony, Rev Michael is also a Notary Public, State of Florida.
Reverend Nina Shifrin
BS
Reverend Nina Shifrin, BS is an Ordained Interfaith Minister and Ceremony Officiant offering customized wedding ceremonies that truly capture the essence of your love for one another. Her passion for people and love of love allows her to truly get to know the couple in order to create a picture perfect ceremony. Nina is professional and works toward respecting each individual couple's wishes and requests. Nina's number one goal is to design a meaningful and memorable experience for the couple and all of their loved ones during one of the most important days of their lives. Rev. Nina offers Traditional, Non-Traditional, Non-Denominational, Non-Religious, and Interfaith ceremonies.
Rev. Nina joined our team with over 15 years in the hospitality industry and her experience has now come full circle with officiating at ceremonies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science from Western Illinois University. Nina completed her pastoral training and residency at Saint Jude. She has been recognized for her work in the industry and she is a familiar face to many. She is warm, personal and understanding. Rev. Nina is also fluent in Russian.