The Missionary of Wall Street: From Managing Money to Saving Souls on the Streets of New York

by Stephen Auth

What am I, a senior executive with one of the country's largest money managers, doing hailing down strangers at night on the streets of New York City? “Are you Catholic?” my friends and I ask. “Would you like a rosary? Would you like to go to confession here tonight?” “Are you kidding?” responds one man. “Been there, done that!” says another. “God, no!” chimes in a fast-walking atheist. “You Catholics are all pedophiles!” yells one angry woman. Another hands us a bag of dog poop. Sixty-year-old Michael even has “Why don’t you evangelize out in the Middle East, where they need you?” “We’re needed here,” we respond. “This city needs Jesus, too. It needs His love.” Some nights the tide turns in the Lord’s favor. A young woman approaches us, decked out in showy attire. “Are you guys really Catholic? I didn’t think there were any Catholics left! Can I have a purple rosary?” “Sure! Where are you going? We have lots to talk about.” “I’ve got to run! I’m a stripper. But I’m going to pray with this rosary.” At times, the neighborhood even begins rooting for us. Strangers call “Way to go!” “Your courage is inspiring!” We’re in our groove now, engaging strangers with joy—and seeing some of them later in church. On the rough streets of the City, working shoulder-to-shoulder with Christ, we’re no longer alone; we feel God’s grace. You will, too, as you read the dozens of riveting – and often funny – stories in these pages, about ordinary Catholics from the financial sector evangelizing their wary New York neighbors. Indeed, so fascinating are their experiences, you may be tempted one day to join them.

Genres: Religion, Catholic

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2019

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother sent me this book which he rarely does. In fact, it came from amazon so I didn't know who had sent it...they never label gifts...urgh!
Anyway, I saw the title and just put it aside thinking "just another religious book." A couple of weeks later, I picked it up after feeling guilty for writing it off without even opening it.
What a wonderful surprize, it was! The missionary and his fellow missionaries are amazing people and Stephen is not only a wealthy man of Wall Street but is a consult on several television programs. He definitely doesn't need to be out on the New York streets at night evangelizing! But, then again, he is just where he needs to be and it is probably the most important job he has ever had. I read, with pride, as he introduced himself as a Catholic. Aren't we supposed to be quiet about that, a bit ashamed? He handles the street humor, love ,anger and suffering with the people and gives them back their pride and forgiveness and mercy from God. That is a really good place to start from. Beautiful, beautiful stories, some to laugh and some to cry with. But, all the stories touched me. What a man and generous to share this and "train" fellow missionaries.

[Denisele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Stories and reflections are broken in to short sections. It is a different way to think about missionary work and what our parishes may need most. I can't picture myself successfully volunteering with this type of ministry, but I wish I could. It would be interesting to see if a similar model has been adopted in other cities. It has me thinking how would you apply this approach to our more suburban parishes.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steve’s book is a treasure for the Church, both to those of us who are in it and those who have yet to come back. I got to know Steve on the Mexico trip he mentions early in the book and was blown away by his missionary zeal. Steve and Evelyn are true examples of saintliness and I am grateful to have read their story and the tales of these brave young missionaries.

[Mark W. Anthoine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read

This narrative serves as both a manual for missionary work and as a reminder of the power of God's love. The stories of encounters with passersby are thoughtful and thought provoking. I will recommend it to others for sure.

[Dave Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have been doing the same kind of work out on the west coast and got a lot of inspiration and good ideas from reading this book. Thanks to Steve and his wife.😊
My the Lord continue to bless you in your work and be present to those you encounter.

[Sonia Drabek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!! So inspiring! I am a member of Regnum Christi, and we have a street ministry we do once a month . This book was so encouraging to me to help catch some souls for God. All I need to do is show up and let God do His work!

[Michael Donlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring book that reminds me to never give up on anyone & have the charity & bravery to encourage others to go to God's mercy.

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

cool book, regnum christi mission

[Donna Van · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the “diary” format, but felt like the same story over & over again!

[Lisa Totino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifted this book and overall enjoyed it. The author Steve seems like a good guy, and my well wishes go out to him and his wife Evelyn.