A personal, healing encounter with the music of Sarah Hart has led to the Oregon Catholic Press composer/artist appearing Feb. 27 at St. Rita Church in Sierra Madre.

The Hart concert --- the first of a weekend series of Southern California appearances --- is the result of a drive led by St. Rita music director Steve Gunther to bring Hart's music to the community he has served for more than 20 years. Response has been so overwhelming that the concert has been totally funded by donations.

"This is the first time we have done this," Gunther says, "and I am grateful for the outpouring of financial support that is making it a reality."

The desire to bring Hart to Sierra Madre began in the summer of 2005, when Gunther's wife Jennifer was diagnosed with colon cancer. Gunther had been reviewing new music for the parish choir and came across Hart's collections.

"Because so many contemporary composers of Catholic liturgical music are men," Gunther explains, "I was particularly interested in the gifts that are now being contributed by women. I was struck by Hart's piece, 'Beautiful Mother' and wanted the choir to sing it for Christmas."

As he usually did when finding new music for parish music ministry, he ordered a couple of albums - this time Hart's - and copies of the music for the choir.

But when Jennifer heard Hart's music after undergoing surgery and beginning chemotherapy and radiation treatments, something more happened.

"Jenny fell in love with Hart's voice and music, and the albums had a tremendous impact on her, providing her great comfort and encouragement," Gunther says. He believes Sarah Hart's gift of music was quite instrumental in his wife's healing process. "God really worked through Sarah and her music, bringing Jenny and I both strength and support."

So when Gunther learned that Hart would be appearing at the Religious Education Congress' "Spirit and Song" session in Anaheim this year, he set out to bring her to St. Rita while she was in Southern California for the weekend. Enthusiastic about sharing Hart's music with a larger audience, he is grateful for the support he found from both the pastor, Father Richard Krekelberg, and the St. Rita community for the event.

Gunther believes people of all ages will find Hart's music both uplifting and inspiring, and he encourages everyone to attend the concert. "Music rooted in prayer is powerful," he says. "It is one of the ways God touches our lives and souls."

Seating for the 7:30 p.m. concert is free and on a first come, first served basis (freewill offerings will be accepted). St. Rita is located at 50 E. Alegria Ave. (at Grandview north of Baldwin Ave.) in Sierra Madre. For information, call (626) 355-1292.

Sarah Hart also will appear Feb. 28 at the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, and in concert March 1, 7:30 p.m. at American Martyrs Church, Manhattan Beach.