esteemed profession; venerable vocation
Refers to socially respected occupations that serve others, such as priests, monks, teachers, and doctors. Often used in discussions of ethics or calling.
He decided to enter a venerable profession.
He entered the noble profession of teaching.
Teaching is said to be an esteemed profession.
ministry; priesthood; holy orders
Specifically Christian context: the ordained ministry or priesthood. Used in church-related discussions.
He was ordained to the priesthood.
Walk the path of holy orders.
The pastor committed an act that disgraced his holy calling.
神職 refers specifically to Shinto priesthood, while 聖職 covers Christian ministry or, more broadly, any socially respected calling like teaching or medicine.
clergy; clergyman; churchman
Compound of 聖 (holy, sacred) and 職 (occupation, profession). The general sense of 'esteemed profession' likely developed from the religious sense.