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The members of CatholicFX come from a variety of backgrounds. Most have been involved with music
ministry in their own parishes and now wish to share their gifts with more people. All are very talented, and most importantly,
all are open to being led by the Spirit.
The CFX Worship Band, originally entitled Sonitus Verbi, but later changed after everyone started
calling us "CatholicFX" as if that was the band name, (we grew to like it more than Sonitus Verbi) was formed a little over
a year ago. It began as an offshoot of the musicians who participated at "Prayer & Praise" every thursday on campus.
Tom and Nate helped lead worship and one day Ryan decided he wanted to share his drumming with the group. A year later, Christa
showed up on campus and offered her talent as well. When CatholicFX as a ministry began to grow, the need for a fuller, more
complete band became more apparent. Natalie had been involved with helping worship and so she hopped on board with her vocals
and keyboarding. Last but not least, the noble man Rick took up his calling to the bass guitar only recently, but he has
quickly picked up his mighty instrument and become a backbone of rhythm for the band.
What makes the CFX worship band unique is that they are not simply a group of musicians. Each
is a part of the CFX retreat team as well. All have given talks, led small groups, and been a witness to the faith beyond
their musical abilities. All the more, they are open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, and thus it is typically the case that
during worship songs are morphed into something greater than the notes on the page and the words to be sung - CFX turns each
song into a personal prayer.
Tom Lelyo (lead vocals, guitar, percussion, piano) - Tom has been involved with
music ministry since he was 14 years old. At that time he was playing piano and cantoring for Sunday evening masses at his
parish of St. Anthony's in Butler, NJ. Now he has been playing guitar for 5 years and he has led worship for his college
prayer group, as well as with CatholicFX. He is currently a Youth Minister for St. John the Baptist parish in Ottsville,
PA and is engaged to be married to Natalie on June 28th.
Ryan "Bappy" Baptista (drummer & percussionist) - "Bappy"
as he commonly known, adds "flavor", "soul", and "funk" to CatholicFX. Coming from a background with his family band, St
James Syndrome, Ryan has been playing his drums for quite some time, and to different styles of music. Like Tom, he has been
involved with music ministry since he was young - singing in the kid's choir and playing drums in 8th grade. It is indeed
the case that much of CFX's unique "feel" flows from Ryan's suggestions on how to add a little something something to each
song.
Rick Dooley This tall and strapping young fellow is not quite the flava, nor is he the spice,
he's the, well he's the "OH MY" of CFX. Coming a long way since he first picked up his "precious" (bass guitar), Rick provides
CFX with a driving rhythm - always looking to make each song more and more well, "Rick-o-licious".
Natalie Antrim...soon to be Lelyo (piano & vocals) - Nat has been playing
piano and singing since she was very young. As a guest on the Al Albert Talent Showcase her vocals have been recognized as
amazing! Natalie brings to CFX an incredible ear for music. Able to pick up the melody and make it her own after only listening
to a small piece of the music, Natalie puts this talent at the service of prayer which makes her musical prayer beautiful.
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