Joe, are you in that picture? You are very fortunate for your encounter. Everything I have ever read about the New Skete Monastery recommends them as a fine group. Same with the Laser Monks in Spring Green.
That's me in the dark green sweater. My GSD Timber's mom was a New Skete dog, and I raised him by their principles. The year after he died I found myself working in NY/NJ, and took the opportunity one cold winter weekend to make my way up to New Skete to complete the circle...
My trip to New Skete