That's a sweet image and scene.

For Catholics, they are singing to some degree. By standards of other denominations, however, there is barely any singing at all. This is clearly not song arising from the people.

What I observed is that it would appear (to one unacquainted with the Mass) nothing particularly important is going on. Look at the actions, ignore the hymn, maybe turn the sound off: The deacon (where's the priest?) walks out, slapping his hands together for some reason, in the manner of someone who just finished an unsavory and dull task. The people at the stands are moving their mouths, and hence at the least communicating something to the assembly before them. However, the assembly seems uninterested in what is being told to them, as about half of them follow the deacon down the aisle like a child diving into a cookie jar as soon as mother's back is closed. A few stand and have conversations in place, as one might after a meeting. For some reason, a minority of people stand staring at the floor, shoulders slumped in apathy. If someone said to you, again without knowledge of what's going on, "these people are, by the actions occurring before you, practicing religious devotion and deriving spiritual benefit from the appreciation of a sacred art," would you believe them?

To me, this would appear to be some sort of large corporate meeting of the unwilling, with the deacon being an authority figure to keep people there. As soon as he leaves, no one seems to have any interest in what the choir says. What is really going on? The people, following a most sacred rite, are remaining to engage in performance of a sacred art for their spiritual benefit. They are expressing their joy in the resurrection. But is this obvious to anyone?

As Chrism says, if there are any issues here, they are not in the music, and I agree. Although I would ask the suitability of an American Gospel-style hymn at what seems to be a predominantly Asian church - that's probably not something they would be able to easily take ownership in. But my main point stands: this does not appear to be an activity that is worth the time of the people gathered. So why are they being asked to do it?

Disclaimer: I mean no disrespect to the music ministry, clergy, or congregation gathered. One cannot judge the devotion of a large group of people from another culture based on one hymn. I only wished to evaluate the visuals from an objective, uninformed viewpoint so as to demonstrate my point.

"I'd think an instrumental piece would be a better choice, especially since the recession of the clergy was so short."

This would be my preferred option here. Besides "cover music" I'd also take into account the sensibilities of the parish - this would not seem to be one where a final hymn is an advisable idea. Perhaps a brief chant from the choir would be suitable. At any rate, I believe what they are doing isn't doing the job.

Lol - someone really needs to make a very serious video of a schola dressed entirely in cassocks chanting an introit masterfully followed by a crowd of several people clapping, cheering, fist-pumping, hooting and hollering at its conclusion. It would be a youtube classic.

i don't agree with clapping in the church, but the church does allow clapping for the supreme pontiff, if he visits your church.

i don't think it is supposed to be during Mass. like, if the pope gives a talk in a church, etc.

Actually, I remember when the Holy Father processed in for vespers at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception that all the bishops in attendance gave him a round of applause as he entered. Pope Benedict did the half-wave/half-blessing gesture until he reached the sanctuary.

Clapping bugs me, too. I don't clap unless the celebrant specifically asks the congregation to acknowledge something (musicsions, first communicants, etc.). I'd rather give a few light claps than stand there being annoyed.

It seems to me that visiting bishops are the worst in this regard. Before the final blessing there always seems to be credits that roll:

"Thank you all for inviting me to worship with you today, especially Fr. Joseph and Deacon Peter. Thank you to all the servers, readers, extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist [sic], singers, cantors, organist, choir director, children's choir, ushers, money counters, sanctuary decorators, liturgy directors, custodian staff, gardeners, parish manager, director of religious education, and of course all of you wonderful people in the pews who made this visit possible! Let's give you all a round of applause.
...
...
...
"The Lord be with you."

Is this Public Relations 101 in Bishop School or what?

i don't like clapping in church, either