My limited understanding is that one initiates and then rises through the ranks.
Russell was an initiate into the Scottish Rite 33rd degree. The identity of these individuals are hidden from view and records are kept strictly confidential. Lower degrees are completely ignorant as to the identity of these individuals. The Scottish Rite is where the true power and agenda of masonry lies. You cannot earn your way into that position, it is only available to those with the appropriate bloodline. The lower downs in the order are seen as the Watchtower's version of "publishers", nothing more and the records of these individuals are readily accessible to the public, and they are not offered a special memorial service. Think of the 33rd degree masons as equivalent to a secret version of the "governing body", and the rest of the masons as the rank and file.
I dont believe Catholics are accepted as Masons or they are not allowed
From the viewpoint of the lower degrees a division and contention exists. There is a reason for this. At the highest level however there are no divisions between Freemasons and Jesuits. They are one and the same as is their agenda.