Firefighters responded to the Catholic parish, located at 1 Church Square, at 5:45 p.m., Franklin Fire Chief Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin said. There were priests and staff inside at the time, but no services were going on, he said.

The fire was contained by 6:23 p.m. Crews remained on the scene until about 7 p.m. ventilating the building, the Franklin Fire Department said on X.

The fire broke out on the second floor, behind the sanctuary, McLaughlin said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

A Wednesday evening prayer service for Rev. Sullivan was also canceled due to the fire, the parish said.

State fire investigators responded to the scene to assist local firefighters, said Jake Wark, a spokesperson for State Fire Marshal Jon Davine's office.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, which typically responds to church fires, was also on scene, McLaughlin said.

The church sustained significant smoke damage throughout the whole building, McLaughlin said. No injures were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

On its Facebook page, St. Mary's Parish said regular church services also will not be held at the parish. "Due to the fire this afternoon, no activities will be held in the church building until further notice," the post said.