Webinars

WEBINAR 1

Listening in Diverse Contexts and Cultures

Presenter: Darius Villalobos
Air Date: January 14, 2026

Listening is an important pastoral skill for any parish leader. But developing the skill of listening becomes essential when you are working across cultures. Cultural diversity can be ethnic and racial differences, but there are lots of cultural differences to consider when working in a parish. From urban, suburban, and rural realities to socioeconomic differences, to different liturgical norms, and many more characteristics, every parish has a unique culture. This webinar will explore the basics in understanding cultures, look at the differences in how cultures communicate, and will explore best practices to make sure that you can listen to all the members of your parish and to make sure everyone feels heard.

About the Presenter:

Darius A. Villalobos serves as a ministry consultant for local and national Catholic organizations with a special focus on intercultural ministry. He is a consultant to the Pathways Project and NCCL’s Catholic Families Project.

He has served on the staff of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) as the Senior Project Manager for Diversity and Inclusion; and in a variety of ministry roles including youth ministry, young adult ministry, and catechesis in the Archdiocese of Chicago. He is a graduate of DePaul University (B.A.) and Catholic Theological Union (MA intercultural ministry). He has served as a parish RCIA director, liturgical music minister, retreat director, catechist, and youth minister.