as new documentary debuts

A priest of the Albany Diocese is the focus of a new TV documentary that will premiere in Troy on Nov. 18.

The film, "Glidepath to Recovery," focuses on Rev. Peter Young, pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish in Bolton Landing, who has devoted his life to rehabilitating people with addictions and those who have been imprisoned.

The documentary was produced by Family Theater Productions in Hollywood, Calif. The premiere is being hosted by Family Rosary Inc. of Albany. Family Rosary and Family Theater are family prayer and media ministries founded by the late "Rosary priest," Father Patrick Peyton.

"Glidepath to Recovery," which has been offered to public television stations for later broadcast, documents how Father Young has succeeded in helping addicted individuals, especially ex-offenders, reclaim their lives with dignity and grace. His three-step program (treatment, housing and jobs) has reduced the rate of recidivism for ex-offenders.

Those featured in the documentary include a former assistant district attorney for New York whose alcoholism left him jobless and homeless, and a former repeat criminal who spent more than 25 years in prison. After going through Father Young's program, the attorney is practicing law again and the ex-offender is currently a hotel manager.

Father Young has established treatment programs in two facilities, runs seven cafeterias (including one at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Albany), and operates and owns two motels, a restaurant, a florist shop and a convenience store. This unique recovery/rehabilitation program provides ex-offenders with the opportunity to work and gain job training by placing them in these businesses.

True to his motto, "Rehabilitate; Don't Incarcerate," Father Young believes that ongoing recovery, housing and jobs are the key to ex-offenders combating addictions and living productive lives. "Glidepath to Recovery" aims to inform audiences on the success of this rehabilitation process and about the individuals touched by Father Young's healing hand.

(The benefit reception and premiere for "Glidepath to Recovery" will be held Nov. 18, 6-9:15 p.m., at Troy Music Hall. Proceeds benefit Father Young's programs. Donations for the benefit premiere and reception are $50 per person; $10 for the screening only at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, contact Family Rosary at 452-3082 or 800-299-7729.)