Cody Lubeck believes that every baby should have the chance to touch his or her mother's hand. He illustrated this concept for the Nebraska Knights of Columbus 2000 Art Contest and won first place.

Last spring the art teacher asked his fifth-grade class at St. Mary's School in O'Neill to participate in the annual contest. Cody said he had to think about how he would show others his pro-life beliefs on the abortion issue.

"I think that everyone should have the chance to live," he said. Cody is the son of Joyce and Brock Lubeck of St.. Patrick's Parish in O'Neill.

When Cody thinks about getting a chance to live, he also thinks about that baby getting to touch his mother's hand. He decided to show the two as they reach out for each other.

His drawing was printed on cards that were given to people across the state following week-end Masses Jan 20-21. The cards include "A Blessing for Children" prayer.

Father Daniel Soltys, pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Gretna and state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, said the cards replace the paper roses they used to give out on Respect Life Sunday.

This practice began about three years ago, he said. Students are invited t submit drawings and sketches symbolic of respecting life. The prayer on the back is there to remind the faithful to work to stop abortion and respect life, he said.

"It's a little visual reminder of what life is," Father Soltys said.

While the school observed Respect Life Week in January, Cody's sixth-grade teacher, Nancy Berg, said they would begin anew creation series in mid-February. That is typically when they discuss life issues in depth, she explained.

Cody said he is glad they have the chance to talk about these kinds of things at this school because it makes people think about what they do.

When representative from the Knights of Columbus State Council presented a plaque and a check for $250 to Cody last spring, he wanted to give something back. In his thank you note, he included a check for $50, said his mother, Joyce.

"I just thought it would be nice," Cody said.