Dear Andrew:

I praise God that you wish to do the right thing. That is rare these days.

A "shotgun" marriage, even if you were eligible for a Catholic marriage, is not a good idea. Actuually, a marriage "under the gun" (duress) is one of reasons to support annulment because a marriage out of duress is an impair consent. One must have full volitional and unimpaired consent to make a marriage valid.

Concerning your annulment, I would examine exactly why the petition was turned down, ask what kind oif evidence is lacking, and try to see if satisfactory evidence can be found. Usually, the "evidence" comes mostly in the form of your account of your courtship and wedding, and affidavit from others who knew you at the time, and your ex (if she wishes to respond to the petition). The friends or family who submit affidavits should not try to make you or her look good. They need to be brutally honest no matter how bad it makes you look. 

With that said, right now your petition is denied and thus you are to be applauded for making a stand with your girlfriend about marriage. You are most correct if you married her. Not only would you not be able to receive Communion, but you risk your soul to hell since you would be living in sin. The same goes with living with her like you were husband and wife. That is called concubinage, and also adultery since you are already married. These are grave sins.

There are many resources your girlfriend can check out. She can sign-up for welfare and by that secure housing, food, milk for the child, medical, and money to live on. You will need to pay child support.

This should be done immediately. She should contact the local social services. There are also houses for unwed mothers that may be a possibility.

If she has no where to go and you do not have the money to put her up in an apartment of her own, it is possible for her to remain in your house provided she has her own bedroom like any other roommate arrangement. You two are not to do anything to place either of you in a near occasion of sin, like walking about half-dressed and such. The situation must be no different than if you advertised in the paper for a roommate.

This living arrangement needs to be temporary. It should not last any longer than it takes for her to secure her own apartment through her own means or through the Department of Social Services.

As mentioned, she needs to contact Social Services immediately. Accept no excuses. She must do this.

She also needs to understand that remaining in your home is temporary. She must secure her own apartment.

Your priest cannot on his own authorize you to get a civil marriage and then live chastely. If such a thing is allowed, it would have to be the bishop who gives permission.

I see no need for this anyway. She can get welfare to live on her own.

I hope this helps some.

We will be praying for you and your girlfriend.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary