Yer right, Red Heather. There's a non-solicitation rule; however, the rule itself is honored only in a technical sense: as a Mason, I can't say to my friend, "John, I would really be honored if you would petition to join our fraternity." But I can say, "you know, John, Masonry's a great organization, and I bet you would really enjoy being a member!", and let him make the decision to ask me how to go about joining, if he's interested.
There's really nothing secret about being a Mason - look at the guys - like me! - who wear Masonic rings, neckties, cufflinks, etc. On the other hand, I've never told my mother that I am a Mason, since she's very Catholic and comes from the old school that says that Catholics shouldn't become Masons.
Capt. William
Past Master, Past High Priest, Past Commander, 32nd degree Knight Commander of the Court of Honor