A catalyst, method for preparing the catalyst, and method for using the catalyst having improved para-selectivity in the conversion of alkyl-substituted benzene to para-dialkyl-substituted benzene. The catalyst being prepared by calcining a starting zeolite material, selectivating the calcined zeolite using a silicon-containing selectivating agent, physically mixing the calcined and selectivated zeolite with a binder, shaping the resulting zeolitic physical blend into a form suitable for use in a hydrocarbon conversion process, selectivating the shaped zeolitic physical blend using a silicon-containing selectivating agent, and calcining the selectivated shaped zeolitic physical blend.