The blaze was well alight when fire officers arrived

The Northern Ireland Fire Service said the church was well alight when they arrived at about 0400 BST.

It was the third church to suffer a malicious fire over the past week.

Secretary of State John Reid condemned the attacks.

He said: "Sectarianism in any form is ugly but to attack churches which play such a central role in the lives of so many families in the local community is particularly disgusting.

"The thugs who carry out these attacks may bring pain to their victims but they bring nothing but shame and contempt on themselves and whatever misconceived cause they think they represent."

The newly-elected Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Alastair Dunlop, visited the scene and said that if it turned out to be an arson attack then he condemned it.

Fr Daniel Whyte: "This is a serious blow"

Earlier in the day, parish priest Father Daniel Whyte, had said he hoped the blaze was accidental and that community relations in the area were good.

Weekday Mass for parishioners, which is normally held in the church, took place in the assembly hall of the local primary school.

About 100 people were present at the Mass, which was celebrated by Fr Whyte.

He said it was a serious blow to the parish.

Mass was said in a nearby hall

"The church is a write-off, nothing can be saved," he said.

"The walls that are remaining are in a very serious state and will have to come down.

"As the news spreads throughout the parish, people are calling and people are ringing - they are just immersed in shock at this disaster."

St Bernard's nursery school was closed on Monday, however, the parish's primary school remained open.