Detroit — A questionnaire sent to dioceses around the world in preparation for the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Family in October was sent to pastors of the Archdiocese of Detroit by Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron.

The questionnaire was developed out of reflection and discussion regarding the document “Relatio Synodi,” which was produced after the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops in 2014, and aims to generate a response to the document for the upcoming synod to consider. While not an opinion poll or survey, the questionnaire aims to provide Pope Francis and the synod fathers with pastoral insights from dioceses around the world as they gather to discuss challenges to the modern family and the Church’s role in addressing them.

The questionnaire is similar to a set of questions issued last year by the Vatican to dioceses around the world in preparation for the synod, to which the Archdiocese of Detroit also responded.

“Here in the Archdiocese of Detroit, Archbishop Vigneron consulted with a variety of groups (in 2014), including the Presbyteral Council and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, to gather input and hear from all of his constituencies. He forwarded this information to the USCCB, to be sent to the Vatican,” wrote David Grobbel, director of the Office for Marriage and Family Ministry for the Archdiocese of Detroit, in a March 3 letter to pastors.

This year, the questionnaire along with an abridged version were sent to parishes electronically March 3, “to streamline focus and avoid questions that presume advanced theological studies,” although “the archbishop welcomes comments on all of the questions,” Grobbel wrote.

Grobbel wrote that pastors were not obligated to solicit responses from their parishes, but suggested consulting with parish groups such as pastoral councils and committees, staff or parishioners with relevant ministerial experience. Responses were requested to be submitted by March 9.